Cupid's Dream Victorious in Dubai Carnival Opener

Cupid Dream claimed victory in the main race at Dubai Carnival's season opener, marking a strong start to the emirate's premier horse racing season. The event at Meydan Racecourse featured seven dirt track races with total prize money of 1.33 million dirhams, sponsored by Emirates airline.

Cupid Dream returned to his preferred 1,600-meter distance and dominated the main race worth 250,000 dirhams. Under jockey William Pereira's guidance and trainer Musbah Al Muhairi's supervision, the horse finished in 1 minute, 39.34 seconds - a commanding 3.33 lengths ahead of runner-up Maid In Dubai.

The second-place finisher belongs to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and was trained by Salem bin Ghadayer with jockey Qais Al Busaidi in the saddle.

Dark Severn kicked off the new season with his first win, taking the opening 1,200-meter conditional race. The Dubai Golden Shaheen winner from last April's Dubai World Cup night, trained by Ahmed bin Harmash and ridden by Connor Beasley, completed the distance in 1:12.52 - finishing 4.5 lengths clear of Ramadi, who carries the colors of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Several newcomers made their mark on the card. Gray Boss secured his first career victory in the maiden race over 1,400 meters for NR LLC, trained by Bhupat Seemar and ridden by Tadhg O'Shea. Union Security followed suit, winning the second maiden contest over 1,200 meters for owner Mohammed Ahmed Al Sabusi under trainer Ahmed bin Harmash and jockey Sam Hitchcott.

Sheeperton Lodge delivered a dominant performance in the fourth race, a handicap over 1,900 meters on sand. Owned by Abubakar Igdoura and prepared by Musbah Al Muhairi, the colt was expertly guided by William Pereira to victory.

Road Block proved his worth over the sprint distance, capturing the sixth race handicap at 1,200 meters. The gelding, owned by Mr. Hashish and Hana Al Refai and trained by Osama Refai, secured his fifth career win under Connor Beasley.

The card concluded with Nourato earning his maiden victory in the final handicap over 1,600 meters. Racing for Sky Racing and trained by Julio Olascuaga, the colt was skillfully ridden by Silvestre de Sousa to break his duck.

The Dubai Carnival traditionally serves as a crucial warm-up period for the Dubai World Cup meeting, giving horses and connections valuable preparation time on Meydan's unique surfaces. This opening night sets the stage for what promises to be another competitive season leading up to the world's richest race day.