Imperial Emperor delivered when it mattered most on Fashion Friday at Meydan, finally turning last year’s near-miss into a defining moment. The six-year-old powered home to win the Grade 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, earning an automatic berth in the Dubai World Cup and anchoring a standout night for trainer Bhupat Seemar.

Ridden with intent by Richie Mullen, Imperial Emperor tracked the early pace set by Masmak before moving decisively at the 600-metre mark. He surged clear and stayed on strongly to beat Tumbarumba by a length and a half, with Heart Of Honor a distant third.

“This syndicate is Dubai,” said Deva Racing director Ryan Tongue. “We love Dubai, and to have another chance in the Dubai World Cup is a dream. Turning down the Saudi Cup was a big decision, but the focus is on trying to win the Dubai World Cup.”

Mullen, who only returned to race riding this season after a serious injury, praised the horse’s professionalism. “He puts himself in the right spot. When I saw Masmak starting to come back, I knew I had to go. He finished the race in a matter of strides.”

Opera Ballo Claims First Group 1 in Jebel Hatta

Opera Ballo confirmed his upward trajectory with a commanding Grade 1 victory in the Jebel Hatta over 1800 metres on turf. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, the four-year-old proved far too strong once unleashed in the straight.

Despite racing keenly early, Opera Ballo settled just behind the leaders before striking the front inside the final 200 metres. He pulled away to score by two and a half lengths over Silawi, with Holloway Boy in third.

“We’ve known for some time that he’s a very good horse,” Appleby said. “The key has been getting him to relax. He’s still headstrong, but the ability is clearly there.”

Buick, recording a record fifth Jebel Hatta success, added: “He reminds me a lot of his sire, Ghaiyyath. He’s fiercely competitive and hugely talented. Once he learns to relax properly, he’ll be a serious horse.”

Six Speed Earns Kentucky Derby Points

The Grade 3 UAE 2000 Guineas carried Kentucky Derby qualifying points for the first time, and Six Speed made them count with a dominant front-running performance.

Now owned by a US-based partnership, the Not This Time colt led throughout under Mickael Barzalona, stretching five lengths clear of Devon Island to collect 20 Derby points.

“We weren’t sure about the mile, but the good ones have speed and stamina,” said Seemar. “He breaks well, travels on the speed, and does everything you ask.”

More Success for Seemar and Buick

Seemar added further Group success with Mendelssohn Bay in the Grade 3 Firebreak Stakes and continued his strong night when Suited And Booted outstayed Commissioner King in a staying contest for the Suited And Booted syndicate.

“I bought him in Maryland, and the syndicate has been fantastic,” Seemar said. “We’ll look at either sticking to a mile or stepping up in distance on Super Saturday.”

Buick landed the Grade 3 Al Shindagha Sprint aboard Drew’s Gold, who quickened late to deny El Nasseeb, before completing a sprint double with Cover Up in the Grade 2 Blue Point Sprint.

“He’s a different horse mentally this year,” said co-trainer Ed Crisford. “There’s nothing left for him here, so we’ll head back to the UK, possibly Ascot.”

Milestones Elsewhere on the Card

Irish jockey Andrew Slattery recorded the biggest win of his career when guiding Elnajmm to victory in the Grade 2 Al Fahidi Fort. Returning from a 328-day layoff, the Michael Costa-trained gelding edged Chicago Critic by a quarter of a length.

Staying honors went to Sunway in the closing Grade 3 Al Khail Trophy. Ridden boldly by Silvestre de Sousa, the David Menuisier-trained five-year-old held on to beat Epic Poet over 2810 metres, ending a two-year wait for a win.

De Sousa also partnered Muraad to victory in the Purebred Arabians’ Al Maktoum Challenge R2, with connections now considering a direct route to the Dubai Kahayla Classic.

Image DRC