Ras Al Khor Stakes: Former Champions Clash In High-Stakes Meydan Showdown

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The penultimate meeting of the 2025-2026 Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse promises an evening of international racing on Friday, with leading developer Emaar sponsoring an eight-race card carrying AED 2.5 million in prize money.

At the centre of the action is the seven-furlong Group 3 Ras Al Khor Stakes, which has attracted a full field of 15 runners, including the winners of the last two editions and several high-profile challengers from Europe and the UAE.

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With the Carnival season approaching its climax ahead of Dubai World Cup night on March 27, this meeting offers a chance for horses, trainers, and jockeys to make a statement on one of the region's biggest racing stages.

Marbaan, trained by Michael Costa, was scratched yesterday, leaving British contender Fort Payne, under the guidance of Nicolas Caullery, to seek to reclaim the title on turf after a disappointing run on dirt.

Costa also saddles Elnajmm, who returned from a layoff to win the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort, beating several of these rivals, including Chicago Critic.

“Elnajmm looks spot on,” Costa said.

Fort Payne's connections are equally measured in their assessment. Marine Henry, wife and assistant to Caullery, explained the strategy behind running on turf.

“We had a bit of a think about whether to run on Super Saturday or 6 March, but Nico didn't want to run both him and King Gold in the same race. We know Fort Payne can go on turf, and this is another reason to go to the surface,” she said, reflecting on the horse's underwhelming dirt performance.

Charlie Appleby's Godolphin-trained Mysterious Night returns after finishing fifth in the Al Fahidi Fort last year.“He likes the seven-furlong course at Meydan and goes into this in good order,” Appleby said.

“He was caught a little wide last time, and there's a chance the same could happen here, but if he works out a decent trip, he should be bang there at the finish.”

Appleby's Godolphin colleague Saeed bin Suroor brings Dubai Treasure, a filly who ran well in the Group 2 Balanchine despite not getting the nine-furlong trip and now drops back to seven furlongs against male opposition.

“She's a tough filly who always tries her best, and I'm hoping for another strong effort,” the trainer said.

For former champion UAE jockey Johnny Murtagh, now a trainer, the Ras Al Khor represents a chance to secure his first Meydan winner with Chicago Critic, narrowly beaten last time, who looks to provide that breakthrough.

“He was a bit unlucky last time and has been running consistently,” said Murtagh, who was the UAE champion jockey in 1993-94 when based as a stable jockey in Jebel Ali.“He looks well and likes fast ground.”

The Ras Al Khor Stakes has become one of the most tactical and competitive turf sprints of the Carnival, often pitting seasoned international performers against emerging local talent.

Beyond the headline act, the evening opens with the Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah for Purebred Arabians, where defending champion Djafar, now trained by Doug Watson, returns after finishing seventh in the G1 Mneefah Cup in Riyadh.

Watson also runs Arlan in the 2200-metre Emaar Champion Stakes over dirt, up against Claymore, making his first dirt start for British trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam.

The meeting also features a competitive 1200-metre three-year-old clash in the Next Mile by Emaar Conditions race, where emerging talents such as Miss Yechance and Dream Of Tuscany look to assert themselves in the penultimate Carnival contest.

Both horses have impressed their trainers with recent trials and return in good form for what promises to be a sharp test.

With proven winners, in-form challengers, and international competitors lining up, the Ras Al Khor Stakes looks set to be the highlight of the evening. Marbaan could defend his crown if he finds his best form, but Elnajmm, Fort Payne, and Mysterious Night all offer compelling threats.

Racing kicks off at 5:30pm UAE time and can be streamed live via the Dubai Racing Club YouTube channel.

KT Selections

Race 1: 1. Djafar, 2. So'ud

Race 2: 1. Muzaahim, 2. Nyaar

Race 3: 1. Masai Moon, 2. Emperor's Star

Race 4: 1. Rapper's Delight, 2. Bombay Bazaar

Race 5: 1. Al Amir, 2. Valdivia

Race 6: 1. Elnajmm, 2. Mysterious Night

Race 7: 1. Miss Yechance, 2. Magic Art

Race 8: 1. Deep House, 2. Original Outlaw

Day's Best: Masai Moon

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