Global interest surges as 300 horses apply for Dubai Racing Carnival

More than 300 horses from 19 countries have applied for the 2025/26 Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse.

The 16-week carnival began on November 7 and has already hosted runners from the UK, Denmark and Norway.

Jamie Osborne was among the first international trainers to arrive, bringing Group 2 UAE Derby runner-up and Group 1 Preakness fifth Heart Of Honor.

Norway’s Niels Petersen has shipped in 11 horses, including Norsk Derby winner War Socks.

Czech trainer Miroslav Nieslanik has returned with globetrotting sprinter Ponntos and five stablemates, while Denmark’s Veronika Jandova has arrived with seven runners headed by Listed winner Hans Andersen.

Newmarket trainer Phil Spencer and owner Phil Cunningham have assembled a 10-strong Rebel Racing team, including Stewards’ Cup winner Two Tribes and Ayr Gold Cup victor Run Boy Run.

Further arrivals are planned through the carnival, with Karl Burke targeting the later meetings with G1 Jebel Hatta placegetter Holloway Boy and David O’Meara returning with G2 Dubai Gold Cup third Epic Poet, as Group 1 winners Mitbaahy and Audience also head to Dubai.

“We are delighted to have acceptors for the carnival from so many different countries,” said Erwan Charpy, Dubai Racing Club’s Head of Racing Operations & International Relations.

“This further underlines the position of Dubai as the centre of the racing world and is a compliment to both our facilities and our racing programme, both of which continue to evolve.”