Arabian Light shines again at Meydan

Arabian Light took his Meydan record to two wins from three starts as he overcame a wide trip to deny Bedouin Prince in the Zabeel Turf on Friday, 2 January. 

Runner-up to Ombudsman on his debut in the UK, the Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old had enjoyed a successful Dubai campaign in 2024/25, finishing third in the Lord North Handicap before winning the Lord Glitters Handicap. 

William Buick charted an outside course on Arabian Light from the outset in the 10-furlong handicap and was shuffled back towards the rear of the 14 runners as he looked for cover leaving the back. 

Stablemate Bedouin Prince also raced wide throughout, slightly closer to the pace, and moved up to collar Archivist for the lead a furlong from home. 

Arabian Light unleashed a strong challenge towards the centre of the course, heading Bedouin Prince inside the final half-furlong before hitting the line well to score by half a length. 

William Buick said: “Arabian Light showed a lot of talent in two starts here last year, winning one of them. He lost his way a little bit back in England, but the team were adamant that he was in great form and Charlie pointed me in his direction. There was not a lot between the first two home and it is pleasing to start the year in the right way.”