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| Staff Writer |
The 2024-25 UAE racing season delivered a spectacular international talent showcase, with Meydan's Dubai Racing Carnival and Abu Dhabi's premier meetings providing the perfect stage for established stars and emerging talents. From Charlie Appleby's Godolphin powerhouse to rising local trainers like Michael Costa and Bhupat Seemar, the season featured record-breaking performances, historic achievements, and fierce competition across dirt and turf. International raiders from Hong Kong, France, Britain and beyond added further depth to a campaign that confirmed the UAE's status as a global winter racing destination of the highest calibre.
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Super Saturday delivered a phenomenal feast of racing at Meydan, with Bhupat Seemar's Imperial Emperor stealing the spotlight with a commanding victory in the Gr.2 Al Maktoum Classic that catapulted his syndicate owners into Dubai World Cup contention.
The US$81,500 Racing in Dubai Sale purchase defied his wide draw to storm home by eight and a half lengths, leaving his connections ecstatic about their World Cup prospects.
"Wow, what a horse!" exclaimed Ryan Tongue, Director of the British-based syndicate Deva Racing. "This horse didn't owe us anything before tonight; we just wanted him to come home safe. This is a dream come true. I can't believe we're in the Dubai World Cup!"
Jockey Tadhg O'Shea, who completed a perfect three-from-three record aboard the gelding, was equally enthusiastic: "This horse is on the up. That was probably the best career for him. It was a true run race, and there was no hiding place. He's very, very genuine."
The Seemar stable celebrated a second major success when sprinting sensation Tuz made history by becoming the first horse to sweep all four major dirt sprint races in a single season. His emphatic five-length Gr.3 Mahab Al Shimaal victory completed the unprecedented quartet.
"He's a streetfighter, he just keeps coming back – like Muhammad Ali!" said Seemar. "He's made history by becoming the first horse to win all the big dirt sprints. There will be some good sprinters here for the Dubai Golden Shaheen, but we have home turf."
Charlie Appleby and William Buick enjoyed a remarkable four-timer for Godolphin, highlighted by Nations Pride's authoritative triumph in the Gr.2 Singspiel Stakes. The 6YO bounced back from defeats in Bahrain and the Pegasus World Cup Turf to win convincingly.
"We came here confident that he was where he needed to be to win this race," said Appleby. "He had valid excuses for his last two defeats as he's only ever run twice right-handed around Bahrain and been beaten twice. Then, at Gulfstream, he had torrid shipping; at Gulfstream, he had torrid shipping; it took a long time to get there, and conditions weren't really suitable."
The Appleby-Buick combination also struck with Silver Knott in the Gr.2 Dubai City of Gold. The front-running 5YO never looked in danger, prompting Buick to comment: "Last season, he spent most of the year in the States, and we learned that he is very effective from the front. He is very professional and has a good ability to go with it."
Godolphin's dominance extended to the 3YO division, with Mountain Breeze clinically dispatching her rivals to the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas. "I think we were expecting that," said Buick. "Hopefully, this will set her up for a nice campaign back home."
The Blue team completed their quartet when Ruling Court delivered an eye-catching performance in the Listed Jumeirah 2000 Guineas, powering clear by six lengths to announce himself as a serious European Classic contender.
"I think he'll continue to develop, and we will return to Europe with a sharper model," said Appleby. "Whether we go to the Dante or take in the Guineas en route, we'll see."
The international presence made itself felt throughout the card. French trainer Nicolas Caullery caused another Super Saturday surprise when Fort Payne took the Gr.3 Burj Nahaar under Dylan McMonagle, earning a spot in the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile.
"I spoke to Adrie [De Vries] before the race, and he gave me plenty of confidence," said McMonagle, celebrating his first UAE victory. "This is the kind of place you want to be riding winners, so I'm delighted to get that one ticked off."
British trainer George Scott claimed his second Carnival success when West Acre prevailed in a thrilling finish to the Gr.3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. Jockey Callum Shepherd had to work hard for victory but remained optimistic about World Cup night: "He dug deep, was gritty and galloped out well after the line.”
In the Purebred Arabian ranks, Mubeed secured his second Group One success of the season in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3, giving trainer Dr Jaber Bittar another top-level triumph and jockey Ray Dawson further Group One glory.
"I was delighted to see Mubeed bounce back from his disappointing run last time," said Dawson. "I knew he'd give me that turn of foot; as long as I got an outside run, I knew he'd find a lot."
The Dubai Racing Carnival’s Festive Friday at Meydan Racecourse in December last year delivered an exceptional showcase of international racing talent, highlighted by a historic performance from Measured Time in the Gr.2 Al Rashidiya.
Charlie Appleby's star performer, Measured Time, etched his name in Meydan's record books by becoming the first horse to win two 2 Al Rashidiya runnings. The dual Group One winner dominated the proceedings from the front under William Buick, winning by commanding seven lengths from Alice Haynes' Cairo and breaking the track record set by Just a Way in 2014, covering 1800 metres on turf in a blistering 1:45.11.
Buick, securing his third win in this race, was almost concerned by the ease of the victory: "It felt a little bit too good!" he said. "He's super competitive, and I was happy to lead him, but we didn't need to put in that big of a performance to win. But that's what you get with him; he's an energy, high-energy, exuberant horse."
The victory marked Appleby's fourth success in the Al Rashidiya, further cementing Godolphin's stronghold at the Carnival. Buick added: "He's proved himself at the top level both here and in America – he's a class horse, and hopefully, there's some improvement to come from that."
Michael Costa emerged as the standout trainer of the evening, securing an impressive double. In the Gr.2 Al Maktoum Mile, worth US$272,000, Meshtri delivered a minor upset by beating several big names. Under Ben Coen, the gelding dictated the pace. It extended impressively in the straight for a comfortable three-length victory over Musabbeh Al Mheiri's Qareeb, with the well-fancied Artorius finishing third.
"He came out of the Dubai Creek Mile well," said Coen of the winner. "He was stronger at home, felt fresh, and we were confident coming into the race. There were a couple of talking horses, but we wouldn't have swapped our lad."
Costa's dominance continued in the Dubai Racing Club Classic over 2400 metres on turf, where he saddled a remarkable one-two finish. Keffaaf, again under Coen, outbattled stablemate Abassi, which was a perfect result for owner Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Perhaps the most dramatic performance came from Walk of Stars in the Listed Entisar. Trained by Bhupat Seemar, the 5YO had been the perennial bridesmaid with three consecutive second-place finishes, including in the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile.
A tactical change proved transformative as jockey Tadhg O'Shea sent him straight to the front, where he blasted away from his rivals, beating the well-fancied UAE Derby runner-up Auto Bahn by an astonishing 12 lengths.
"He's always been one of those horses that takes a lead and stops," explained Seemar. "But since his last race, we've always worked him from the front. We had to change something because he always runs second – he'd probably run second to Frankel!"
The trainer added: "He's a very talented horse, and it's great to see that finally come out of him. This gives us a lot more options. A mile and a quarter [2000 metres] is probably his best distance. Hopefully, this will make his confidence in the world of good, and from here on in, this will make his confidence in the world of good, and from here on in, he can be a magnificent horse."
William Buick emerged as the standout rider with a treble. In addition to his Al Rashidiya success, he guided Cover Up to victory in the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash over 1000 metres, the first turf race of the season at Meydan. The 4YO, making his debut for trainers Simon and Ed Crisford, arrived late to deny Bilhayl.
"He's a horse who likes fast pace, and he got it today; he picked it up all the way," said Buick. "I thought it was a good race; Bilhayl and Ponntos set a high standard, so he had to improve, which he did."
Buick completed his hat-trick aboard Native Approach for Appleby in the Business Bay Challenge. Despite an awkward draw, the 3YO produced a clinical performance over 1400 metres on turf, arriving down the outside to beat San Donato and Danyah.
Bhupat Seemar enjoyed a productive evening with his double. In addition to Walk of Stars' stunning victory, Flama Sunshine claimed the Shahama Stakes under O'Shea. The filly, who had finished second on her previous start, set fast fractions from the rail and remained strong throughout, beating Queen Azteca by three lengths.
"She was very professional," said O'Shea. "She won a trial around here but was quite green last time. She took a big step forward from that tonight; she was straightforward and quickened when I wanted to. When you hit the gates on the dirt, it makes any jockey's job easier."
The Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 for Purebred Arabians produced a surprise when Mubeed, trained by Dr Jaber Bittar and ridden by Ray Dawson, swooped from well back to deny long-time leader AF Alajaj.
The evening concluded with a thrilling finish in the Emaar Downtown Dubai Handicap as Morning, trained by Salem bin Ghadayer, came from behind O'Shea to win by a nose from Meshakel in the final strides.
As the Dubai Racing Carnival built momentum towards Dubai World Cup night, this Festive Friday meeting established several key contenders across multiple divisions, with Appleby's Godolphin representatives, Costa's emerging force, and Seemar's revitalised team all positioned for what promised to be an exceptional winter of racing at Meydan.
Meydan Racecourse hosted a scintillating night of racing at the Dubai Racing Carnival's Fashion Friday meeting in January, with world-class performers delivering memorable performances across a star-studded card.
The undoubted star of the show was Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, who lived up to his billing as a nine-time Group One winner and the world's highest-earning racehorse with an imperious victory in the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta. Despite Measured Time establishing a commanding ten-length lead, jockey James McDonald remained unflustered, gradually reeling in the frontrunner before surging clear to win by four and a half lengths from Poker Face, with Holloway Boy finishing third.
The race was sadly marred by a fatal injury to Measured Time, who broke down just before the line.
Trainer Danny Shum was visibly relieved afterwards: "He's a really good horse - talented, smart and easy to look after. I wasn't worried during the race as I trust James; he's a world-class jockey."
He added, "He's one of the best in the world. and he can kick. He has a good turn of foot, can kick, and listens to what the jockey asks him to do. He knows I love him; I love him a lot."
McDonald was equally effusive: "He's just a good excellent racehorse, good outstanding racehorse, and he adapts to any circumstances during a race, to any pace and has a good turn of foot. He's a very strong-minded horse. He could be a sprinter; that's how fast he is."
Bhupat Seemar's Walk of Stars produced another commanding front-running performance to claim the Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge. Under Tadhg O'Shea, the 6YO established a clear advantage turning for home and held off stablemate Imperial Emperor by three lengths, with 2024 Gr.1 Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval finishing a gallant third on his dirt debut.
"He's a big, powerful galloper," said O'Shea. "He's a front runner but not a runaway – he's always parking a little bit up in front. It was a great performance on the night, and it was great to get Group One under his belt."
With an automatic Dubai World Cup entry secured, Seemar noted: "The owners [Athbah Stud] are from Saudi, so I imagine they will want to go to the Saudi Cup."
The Gr.3 Firebreak Stakes provided a stunning upset as King Gold, under Adrie de Vries, denied the recently crowned joint 2024 Longines World's Best Racehorse Laurel River. Despite setting blistering early fractions, Laurel River tired in the closing stages, with King Gold pouncing right on the line.
"I was shouting for second and so happy to be second to the world champion, and then I couldn't believe it, I won!" said Marine Henry, wife and assistant to trainer Nicolas Caullery. "He tried the dirt in 2022 and went so well on it, so I've been saying we should go back on it since then."
Despite the defeat, Douglas Erskine Crum, Chief Executive of Juddmonte, confirmed plans to proceed to the Saudi Cup: "He's, and he was, and he was a courageous very swift horse, and he was very brave fearless there, maybe a little too enthusiastic! We'll go to the Saudi Cup – see you in Riyadh!"
The remarkable Tuz continued his dominance of the sprint division, making it four consecutive victories in the Gr.3 Al Shindagha Sprint. The reigning Gr.1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner secured his customary position on the rail under O'Shea before repelling the persistent challenge of Colour Up to win by three and a quarter length.
"He's a machine around here," O'Shea enthused. "He's playing games with the opposition at the moment. He's a jockey's dream, a push button, and a phenomenal racehorse. His ears were pricked, and he'd have pulled out more if something had come to him."
British trainer George Scott celebrated international success when his 3YO West Acre claimed the Gr.2 Blue Point Sprint. Under Callum Shepherd, the gelding delivered a late surge to deny long-time leader Ponntos, setting a new track record.
"It was a track record and an extraordinary performance," said Scott. "He's a lightly raced horse, and we thought he'd come on for his last run. I wanted to return to five [furlongs] because he's all speed. He's got a huge engine, and hopefully, we can keep him safe and sound for the rest of the season out here."
The exciting Golden Vekoma cemented his classic credentials with a convincing win in the Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas. The son of Vekoma, who had previously won the trial, showed his class by comfortably holding off the late challenge of the favourite Heart of Honor.
World-leading jockey James McDonald enjoyed a memorable night, completing a treble courtesy of victories aboard Marbaan in the Gr.2 Al Fahidi Fort and Keffaaf in the Gr.3 Al Khail Trophy, both trained by Michael Costa, alongside his headline success on Romantic Warrior.
The Arabian ranks were dominated by the impressive Unleashed, who broke his track record in winning the Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 under Richard Mullen for trainer Jaber Bittar.
With several performers then targeting engagements at the Saudi Cup meeting before returning for Dubai World Cup night, the international racing calendar continued to showcase the global appeal of Middle East racing as the season built towards its climax.
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The ninth meeting of the season at Jebel Ali Racecourse delivered on its promise of excitement, elegance, and exhilaration last Saturday, as the prestigious Gr.3 Jebel Ali Mile and the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint provided thrilling racing action amidst an exhilarating "Fashion Day" atmosphere.
The event seamlessly blended high-class racing with high fashion, attracting racing enthusiasts and style connoisseurs. The newly unveiled venue, aptly named 'The Hidden Gem,' provided an enchanting backdrop to an afternoon that seamlessly breathtakingly blended luxury and sport.
Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse and Executive Director of the Emirates Sprint Series, had promised a day "infused with style, spirited competition, and boundless fun," the event certainly lived up to the billing. Fashion contests judged by industry icons, the pulse-pounding Lamborghini Bull Run, and fashion brand pop-ups showcasing the latest collections added to the day's glamour.
In the feature race of the day, the 1,600-metre Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile with its staggering Dhs700,000 prize purse, Musabbeh Al Mheiri's Qareeb emerged victorious in a performance that showcased both tactical brilliance and raw speed.
Under the expert guidance of jockey Silvestre De Sousa, Qareeb produced a perfectly timed run to claim the prestigious title for owner Abubaker Kadoura. The victory was a testament to Al Mheiri's training prowess, having prepared his charge impeccably for this test.
Michael Costa's Sadaaty, ridden by B.M. Coen and carrying the colours of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, secured second place after a valiant effort. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Majestic Pride completed the podium, with jockey D. McMonagle steering the Rabbah Racing-owned contender to third.
The race had attracted a quality field of 13 runners, with top trainers like Bhupat Seemar and Michael Costa fielding multiple contenders. While Salem Bin Ghadayer's Tenbury Wells had been touted as a pre-race favourite alongside the winner Qareeb, the day belonged to Al Mheiri and De Sousa.
De Sousa's masterful ride saw him patiently position Qareeb through the early stages before unleashing his mount's finishing kick at precisely the right moment. As they thundered down Jebel Ali's testing uphill finish, Qareeb found another gear to pull clear of his rivals, demonstrating his class and affinity for the unique track.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations in the Al Mheiri camp, with owner Abubaker Kadoura visibly emotional as his colours were carried to Group 3 glory. For Al Mheiri, this success further cemented his reputation as one of the UAE's premier conditioners, particularly adept at preparing horses for Jebel Ali's distinctive challenges.
The Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, the thrilling third leg of the Emirates Sprint Series, provided an equally captivating spectacle with its Dhs500,000 prize purse attracting a fascinating field of 14 speedsters.
When the dust settled after the lightning-fast dash, Salem bin Ghadayer's Royal Commando reigned supreme, giving the trainer compensation after Tenbury Wells' defeat in the Mile, a confident ride from Bernardo Pinheiro, the Ziad Galadari-owned sprinter showcased blistering pace and resolute determination to claim the prestigious prize.
The victory was particularly noteworthy as it continued the recent dominance of locally trained sprinters in the Emirates Sprint Series. Last season, Sayed Hashish's Colour Up had claimed this race, and despite Doug Watson sending the in-form contender to defend his crown among a trio of entrants, Royal Commando proved too good on the day.
Miroslav Nieslanik's Ponntos, with Pat Cosgrave in the saddle, secured the runner-up spot for owner Dr Eva Nieslanikova after a determined chase of the winner. Ahmad bin Harmash's Rasas completed the top three under Ray Dawson for owners Sky Racing, having made significant late progress.
The race unfolded at a blistering pace from the outset, with several contenders vying for early supremacy. However, the Royal Commando seized the initiative in the closing stages, displaying the perfect blend of speed and stamina to power up the demanding Jebel Ali incline.
For bin Ghadayer and Pinheiro, the victory was significant in one of the UAE's most competitive sprint contests. The trainer's meticulous preparation and the jockey's tactical acumen combined to devastating effect, sending the connections into rapturous celebrations.
The day's racing action began with the Wathba Stallions Cup, a Purebred Arabian Handicap over 1400 meters, followed by the Emirates Airline Cup, the Al Shafar Investment Stakes, the ESS Stakes, and the Al Awir Maiden Stakes.
However, the twin features – the Jebel Ali Mile and Sprint – captured the imagination, providing sporting drama of the highest order against Jebel Ali's unique "Fashion Day" atmosphere. The event again highlighted Jebel Ali Racecourse's ability to provide concept-driven racing that appeals beyond conventional boundaries.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup delivered a splendid Purebred Arabian racing excellence showcase at Abu Dhabi Turf Club on 16th February. Doug Watson-trained First Class produced a performance befitting the prestigious occasion to claim the headline Group One prize.
The transformation of the traditional 11th Race Meeting into this elevated celebration of Arabian racing proved an inspired decision, with a capacity crowd witnessing a commanding display from First Class, who stormed to a decisive victory under a tactically astute ride from Connor Beasley.
Always travelling with supreme confidence, the first-class moved smoothly into contention, approaching the home turn before asserting his dominance in the closing stages. He displayed impressive acceleration to pull clear of his rivals in the 2200-metre contest. The combination of tactical speed and stamina reserves made him a performer with serious international potential.
Beasley emphasised the professional attitude shown by First Class throughout the race, highlighting his mount's perfect tactical position and decisive turn of foot when asked for maximum effort.
Hameem, representing Al Ajban Stables and trained by Abdallah Al Hammadi, stayed resolutely under Daniel Tudhope to claim second place, while resolutely under Daniel Tudhope to claim second place. At the same time, Ajrad Athbah from Yas Racing completed the frame for trainer Majed Al Jahoori with Silvestre De Sousa aboard. Both ran creditably but could never land a meaningful blow on the impressive winner.
The US$272,000 Group One feature crowned a captivating day of racing that firmly established the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup as a significant addition to the international racing calendar, with connections of the winner then considering potential targets in Europe as First Class continued his upward trajectory at the highest level.
The Gr.2 Liwa Oasis over 1400 metres provided another highlight, with Ahmed Al Mehairbi delivering a stunning performance to give trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi the first leg of a memorable double. Irish jockey Ben Coen produced a masterclass in tactical riding, setting a sensible early tempo before quickening decisively when asked in the home straight.
Al Laith displayed an impressive turn of foot to assert his dominance, demonstrating why connections held him in such high regard. AR Rawaa, representing Arar Aldhaheri and trained by Ibrahim Al Hadhrami, stayed on resolutely under Connor Beasley for second, while Bassam Al Wathba from Yas Racing completed the places for trainer Majed Al Jahoori with Abdul Aziz Al Balushi aboard.
"The winner continues to progress with each run," suggested Al Mehairbi afterwards, with international targets then potentially on the horizon. "Sheikh Al Rahmani has been rewarded for his investment in quality bloodstock."
Coen, celebrating his most considerable, most significant success since arriving in the UAE, added that Al Laith possessed genuine class and had overcome a tricky wide draw with consummate ease. Connections indicated this promising performer could now step up in grade, with the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup potentially featuring among future targets as he continued his upward trajectory.
Al Mehairbi and Coen completed a significant double when Rasasi powered to an impressive victory in the Arabian Triple Crown R1, carrying the colours of Al Rahmani Racing to another prestigious success. Always travelling strongly, Rasasi made smooth progress through the field before asserting in the closing stages, displaying a potent combination of tactical speed and stamina.
Aloraiq, representing the Royal Cavalry of Oman and trained by Fahad Al Hajri, pursued gallantly under Al Moatasem Al Balushi but could never quite get on terms with the winner despite a persistent challenge. Al Fatih from Sheikh Faisal Hamad J Th Al Thani completed the frame for trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami with Connor Beasley aboard.
"The remaining legs of the Triple Crown are firmly in our sights now," confirmed Al Mehairbi, with Al Rahmani Racing representatives indicating their promising performer would confidently progress through the series following this authoritative performance.
The day also witnessed impressive performances from AF Saqara, who maintained her perfect record with a commanding victory in the Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic for Ernst Oertel and Tadhg O'Shea. At the same time, Jap Abeya stormed to victory in the Abu Dhabi Colts Classic under Qais Al Busaidi for trainer Irfan Ellahi.
Sole Mio Al Maury landed the Wathba Stallions Cup under a flawless ride from Sandro Paiva for trainer Adil Mouchahi, while Daamiss dominated the Louvre Abu Dhabi under Ray Dawson for Michael Costa and owner Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Race Meeting unquestionably established itself as a significant addition to the UAE racing calendar, showcasing the extraordinary quality of Purebred Arabian racing in the region. The headline performances from First Class and Al Laith highlighted the calibre of talent on display, with both then poised to carry UAE hopes onto the international stage.
As Abu Dhabi Turf Club continued to elevate its racing programme, this new centrepiece event demonstrated perfectly the rich heritage and bright future of Arabian racing in the UAE. With its combination of significant prize money, quality competition and international ambition, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup immediately positioned itself as one of the region's premier racing attractions.
The planning for next year's renewal would already be underway, with organisers undoubtedly encouraged by the success of this inaugural edition and the quality of performances it inspired across a memorable day of racing excellence.
The UAE's premier racing festival delivered a dazzling night of action featuring three Group One contests, with Ibrahim Al Hadhrami's stable star Heros De Lagarde cementing his place in racing history with a commanding performance in the prestigious HH The President Cup.
The 7YO son of AF Albahar produced a masterclass to secure a 2.2-length victory, stopping the clock at an impressive 2:27.50 and advancing his record to seven wins from 22 starts. The victory was particularly meaningful for the Al Hadhrami team, who had long targeted this race.
"We've been trying for quite a while now. Having Heros De Lagarde win it now is sensational, especially with the race's new format," said Al Warith, son of trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami. "The prize money is much bigger now, and it's become an invitational race attracting many world runners. It's indeed been a dream come true."
Under Connor Beasley's skilled guidance, Heros De Lagarde outclassed a high-quality international field, including pre-race favourite Abbes, who could manage only eighth despite his impressive career record. Suny Du Loup claimed second under Bernardo Pinheiro, while Bahwan secured third with Ray Dawson aboard.
Al Warith praised the winner's champion qualities: "He's incredibly versatile, with both speed and stamina. Champion horses aren't just those that win big races. True champions are horses with the best mentality; they are horses that can develop their race. They don't require perfect conditions — they create their conditions."
Despite his advancing years, Heros De Lagarde improved with each outing. "Every time he races, he improves, and each win is more impressive than the last," noted Al Warith. "The season before last, he won a Listed race. Last season, he started winning Group races. This season, he's won Group Three, then Group Two, and now Group One. Looking at his age, I think he's at his peak now."
The international challenge was led by French raiders Al Doha and Ch'ezza, who finished sixth and fourth, respectively. Ch'ezza's performance under Christophe Soumillon was particularly noteworthy, emphasising the strong international presence at the meeting. However, Saudi Arabian challenger Asfan Al Khalediah, despite boasting an outstanding record of 15 wins from 17 starts, was disappointed in tenth place under Abdullah Alawfi.
The Abu Dhabi Derby showcased the exceptional talent of HM Alchahine, who maintained his perfect record with an authoritative victory under Adrie de Vries. The Helal Alalawi-trained colt made the class upgrade appear routine, stopping the clock at 2:28.13 in testing conditions.
French influence was evident throughout the card, with Morfitt securing second place in the Derby. James Doyle positioned his mount perfectly but couldn't challenge the winner's 2.48-length superiority. Jina'an improved to finish third for trainer Majed Al Jahoori under Silvestre De Sousa.
The Gr.1 HH The President Cup for Thoroughbreds saw Make Me King deliver a polished performance, providing James Doyle and trainer Hamad Al Jehani with a notable victory. The son of Dark Angel exhibited his class with a three-quarter length triumph, recording 1:22.66 and marking himself as a serious contender for significant prizes in the region.
Marbaan emerged as the primary challenger, securing second place under Ben Coen for Michael Costa's yard. The veteran Laneqash claimed third for Bhupat Seemar and Jim Crowley, with stablemate Western Writer following closely in fourth, separated by just a nose.
Earlier on the card, ES Jenjal claimed victory in the Abu Dhabi Turf Club Handicap under Sandro Paiva. At the same time, Posuelo PY produced a surprise in the Yas Sprint under Szczepan Mazur. The UAE Breeders' Cup saw favourite Al Laith justify his position with an authoritative performance under Ben Coen.
This prestigious meeting showcased the depth of talent in UAE racing, particularly highlighting the emerging strength of locally trained runners against international competition. The success of HM Alchahine in the Derby pointed to a bright future, with trainer Helal Alalawi hinting at international targets.
The meeting's strategic position in the global racing calendar continued to attract high-quality international runners, establishing Abu Dhabi as a key winter destination for the world's leading owners and trainers. The success of this year's renewal, featuring strong representation from France, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, suggested this trend would only strengthen in the years ahead.
HM Alchahine's Derby performance suggested he could be a force at the highest level for seasons. At the same time, Heros De Lagarde's President Cup triumph confirmed that the UAE's established stars could compete with and beat the best international challengers. Al Warith succinctly described what makes a champion: "They don't require perfect conditions — they create their own conditions."
The 2024-25 UAE racing season culminated with Wathnan Racing's Hit Show delivering a stunning upset in the US$12 million Dubai World Cup, surging late to defeat Mixto and Saudi Cup winner Forever Young. This capped a season where Godolphin stars broke records under Charlie Appleby with numerous track-record performances throughout the carnival. International participation soared with Hong Kong's Romantic Warrior dazzling at Meydan, while Tuz made history by sweeping all four major dirt sprints. Abu Dhabi's enhanced program complemented Meydan's carnival and Jebel Ali's challenges, cementing the UAE's status as a premier winter racing destination.
Looking ahead, the 2025-26 season promises even greater international competition, with several significant stables already planned expanded UAE campaigns to challenge the region's growing prize pools