The first evening of the Dubai World Cup horse racing carnival is set to begin tomorrow, Friday, at the iconic Meydan Racecourse. The opening card features 73 horses competing across seven thrilling races, with a total prize purse of AED 1.33 million. The event brings together some of the most prominent local and international trainers and jockeys, marking the start of an exciting 2025/2026 racing season.
The 2025/2026 season includes 17 distinguished race events and will continue through to Saturday, March 28, 2026, when the thirtieth edition of the prestigious Dubai World Cup takes place, serving as the grand finale of the season.
Among the standout participants is Dark Saffron, who made headlines during last year’s Dubai World Cup day in April. Trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash, the three-year-old colt previously defeated an older field, including Group 1 winners Tuz, Straight No Chaser, and Nakatomi, to claim victory in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. On Friday, Dark Saffron returns to the track for the Emirates Airline Conditions race, covering the same 1,200-metre distance, but this time facing rivals of his own age group. Racing enthusiasts will be keen to see if he can replicate his previous success.
The feature race of the evening is the 1,600-metre handicap sponsored by Emirates. The race will see 13 strong contenders, including Smart System, a dual Meydan winner and the current stable flagbearer for trainer Ali Al Badwawi. The final race of the night also covers 1,600 metres and features a notable overseas competitor, Dark Stream, a four-time winner trained by Denmark-based Veronika Jandova. Other challengers include Brazilian-bred Norato, ridden by reigning UAE Champion Jockey Silvestre de Sousa.
The two-year-old maiden race, the Emirates Courier Express, promises to be a highlight for emerging talent. Horses to watch include Benghazi Star, trained by Bin Harmash, and Six Speed, under the care of trainer Seemar. Both are expected to deliver a competitive and exciting race.
The opening night sets the stage for a thrilling season of horse racing in Dubai, showcasing both seasoned champions and rising stars. With top trainers and jockeys competing, fans can anticipate fast-paced races and high-stakes competition leading up to the Dubai World Cup finale in March 2026.c
