Dubai Racing Carnival 2026: Exciting Start To The Road To Dubai World Cup

The countdown to the 30th anniversary of the highly anticipated Dubai World Cup on March 28 steps up a gear on Friday evening as the Dubai Racing Carnival roars back into life with a compelling nine-race opening card for the New Year.

From emerging three-year-olds to seasoned international campaigners, this meeting is about making statements. Headlined by the Lord North Handicap and the Al Wasl Stakes, both sponsored by Dubai Racing Club's (DRC) Pillar Partner, and supporter of all nine races, DP World, it's a night packed with serious depth, narrative, and future implications.

Racing begins at 5:30pm UAE, and while it may still be early days, several contests already carry high stakes.

Race snapshot

Lord North Handicap (20:25 pm)

Distance: 1800m

Prize money: AED350,000

Track: Turf

Early turf signals

Named in honour of the three-time $5 million Dubai Turf (Group 1) winner, the Lord North Handicap has quickly earned a reputation as a race that reveals horses capable of operating at a higher level later in the Carnival.

This year's renewal brings together a fascinating mix of proven European form and horses already acclimatised to Meydan.

Local form is represented by Native American, a last-start winner, while Charlie Appleby's Mothecombe looks poised to improve after finishing just behind the Wathnan Racing-owned son of Souix Nation a month ago. Arabian Story, winner of the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot, is returning from a break for Saeed bin Suroor and adds another layer of intrigue.

Flight Plan, a Group 2 winner in Europe, is making his Dubai debut for Karl Burke, who says the 1800 metre trip 'holds no fears' for the son of English 2000 Guineas (G1) hero Night Of Thunder.“Flight Plan looks great... he's worked really well and got a good draw,” said the North Yorkshire-based handler.

British interest is doubled through Fort George, who lines up for Lambourn's Ed Walker and owner Fitri Hay, the wife of Dubai-based Scottish businessman Jim Hay. Walker is already on the board this Carnival and sounded encouraged after a local workout, noting that Fort George“didn't blow” and has taken a step forward physically.

The race should be genuinely run, with tempo and positioning critical around Meydan's sweeping bends. Fitness could prove decisive, especially against rivals already battle-hardened on this track.

Race snapshot

Al Wasl Stakes (19:50 pm )

Distance: 1200 metres

Prize money: AED300,000

Track: Straight turf

Three-year-olds in the spotlight

The Al Wasl Stakes is often the first meaningful guide to the Carnival's three-year-old hierarchy, and this year's renewal brings together an exciting group of just-turned sophomores charging down Meydan's turf straight.

Godolphin's Words Of Truth stands out on form. The Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes winner, who represents big-race-winning handler Charlie Appleby, said:“Words Of Truth proved a solid campaigner last season and has wintered well so far. He looks the one they all have to beat on the form book, and we are confident that conditions here will suit. With William Buick aboard, he sets the benchmark.

Stablemate Maximized is more of a redemption story. After losing his way last season, he has been gelded and, according to Appleby, has enjoyed a“faultless” preparation. Sword Maker, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, also progressed steadily last year and is expected to be competitive from the outset.

“Sword Maker improved throughout last season and has been working well out in Dubai,” said the world-renowned handler.“He is ready to get going, and this looks like the right race for him. We will give him a chance and see how he goes.”

Adding an international subplot is Swedish trainer Oscar Berneklint, who saddles two runners, including the filly Supreme Shine. While the Al Wasl Stakes may come a touch sharp for them, Berneklint is realistic about the challenge, describing Words Of Truth as“a tough horse to go up against”.

Sprint race breakdown

Straight-track races at Meydan often reward balance and composure, and how these youngsters handle the unique test will shape their Carnival paths, towards a possible tilt at the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint (G1) on Dubai World Cup night.

Spanish trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta returns with a strong hand, including Hallasan in the Jebel Ali Port Handicap and globetrotting veteran Furioso on dirt.

Later in the evening, Silver Sword chases a second Meydan victory for UK-based South African handler Dylan Cunha when he will attempt to overcome a wide draw in stall 16, after arriving in peak form.

KT | Selections

Race 1: 1. Eljenob, 2. Rebaatt
Race 2: 1. Awesome Fleet, 2. Brotherly Love
Race 3: 1. Hallasan, 2. Molaqab
Race 4: 1. Grey Boss, 2. Zandvoort
Race 5: 1. Words Of Truth, 2. Sword Maker
Race 6: 1. Mothecombe, 2. Arabian Story
Race 7: 1. Echo Point, 2. Sound Money
Race 8: 1. Rapper's Delight, 2. Arabian Angel
Race 9: 1. Silver Sword, 2. Olympic Candle

Day's Best: Words Of Truth

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