ITV host Rishi Persad has safely returned to the UK from Dubai after experiencing a harrowing missile incident during a horse racing event. The 52-year-old revealed that he was stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to flight cancellations caused by the US-Iran conflict.
While covering the Super Saturday meeting at Dubai’s Meydan racecourse for Racing TV, Persad witnessed an explosion that targeted landmarks like Fairmont The Palm and the Burj Al Arab hotels. The incident unfolded with cameramen spotting a red light streaking through the sky, followed by explosions, creating a tense moment.
Despite the alarming situation, Persad and his team continued with their duties. Flight cancellations extended his stay in Dubai, but he managed to return to the UK on Thursday, just in time for the Cheltenham Festival, as confirmed by ITV.
With a career spanning horse racing events since 2002, Persad has contributed to broadcasting major sports tournaments for BBC and ITV. His unexpected extension in Dubai due to the conflict raised concerns about missing the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, but he made it back without further issues.
Having remained unaware of the war escalation, Persad was informed by colleague Megan Nicholls about the situation in the Gulf region. Despite initial worries, the Dubai Racing Club assured the safety of the event, allowing it to proceed as scheduled.
The Cheltenham Festival is poised to kick off with The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Tuesday, marking a significant event in the horse racing calendar.