Musabbeh Al Mheiri, a two-time UAE Champion Trainer, stole the spotlight at Meydan Racecourse with a remarkable four-win performance on an action-packed night of racing. His triumphs began with Legend Of Cannes, who overcame a wide trip under Silvestre De Sousa to win the Defender Handicap over 1900m on turf. This was quickly followed by another De Sousa-led victory as Echo Point claimed the Defender OCTA Handicap in a new track record time of 1:21.45 for 1400m.

The momentum continued when Haasim, consistent but winless in seven prior starts, broke through in the Defender X-Dynamic Handicap over 1200m. Danny Tudhope expertly timed his late charge, rewarding the gelding’s consistency with a hard-earned victory. The highlight of the evening, however, came in the final turf race when Al Mheiri’s Asad Zabeel cruised to a decisive win in the Defender 525 Edition Handicap, completing both the trainer’s four-timer and a personal treble for De Sousa. The six-year-old Shadwell-owned gelding impressed with his versatility, handling a competitive field with ease.

The night also saw standout performances from Choisya, trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, who dominated the Cape Verdi Stakes, and Queen Azteca, who delivered Norway-based trainer Niels Petersen his second UAE win in the Cocoa Beach Stakes. With such thrilling contests setting the stage, all eyes now turn to Meydan’s next major event on January 24, featuring nine pattern races, including the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge and G1 Jebel Hatta.

Image DRC