From Argentina to Meydan: Pereyra lights up Dubai Racing Carnival

The 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival marked a vibrant start to the new season at Meydan Racecourse on Friday evening when launching a series of 16 marquee meetings that will culminate in the landmark 30th running of the $12 million Dubai World Cup next March.

- Leslie Wilson Jr [e-mail]

Argentine jockey William Pereyra celebrates after guiding Cupid's Dream to victory in the Emirates Airline Handicap.

(PHOTO BY SHIHAB)

With the racing world watching, two names shone brightest: Argentine jockey William Pereyra, who announced his arrival in the UAE with a stylish double, and Musabbeh Al Mheiri, the reigning champion trainer who might just have unearthed another key partnership for the new season.

Meydan has long been a stage for writing extraordinary stories, and on opening night, it delivered plenty. From a Group 1 superstar returning in style to a new South American ace making an early impression, the Carnival could not have asked for a better start.

In football, Argentina gave the world Lionel Messi. In racing, it might soon be William Pereyra. Making his first appearance outside South America, the 31-year-old from Formosa Province showed he belongs among the elite jockeys, producing two commanding victories that had Turf aficionados at Meydan buzzing by the end of the evening.