Dubai Racing Carnival Attracts Over 300 Entries From 19 Countries For Upcoming Season

The Dubai Racing Club has reported a significant number of entries for the 2025–2026 Dubai Racing Carnival, with over 300 applications from 19 countries. This marks one of the most competitive editions in the event's history. The carnival, spanning 16 weeks at Meydan Racecourse, commenced on 7th November and has already seen participation from horses based in the UK, Denmark, and Norway.

G1-winning British trainer Jamie Osborne was among the early arrivals. His team includes Heart Of Honour, who placed second in the G2 UAE Derby and fifth in the G1 Preakness. Niels Petersen from Norway has brought 11 horses, including Norsk Derby winner War Socks. Czech trainer Miroslav Nieslanik is back with sprinter Ponntos and five others.

Denmark’s Veronika Jandova has settled in with seven horses, featuring Hans Andersen, a Listed race winner upon returning from Dubai last season. Newmarket-based Phil Spencer and his primary supporter Phil Cunningham have also shown their commitment to Dubai by entering ten horses under their Rebel Racing banner. Their team includes Two Tribes, winner of the Goodwood Stewards’ Cup, and Run Boy Run, who claimed victory in the Ayr Gold Cup.

The carnival will continue until March, culminating in the 30th Dubai World Cup on 28th March. Several trainers are focusing on later events. Karl Burke plans to bring a five-strong team including Holloway Boy, who finished third in the G1 Jebel Hatta. David O’Meara will return with Epic Poet, third in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup.

Witness Stand, who won the G2 Lennox Stakes for Dr. Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, is expected to compete at Meydan in 2026. Charles Hills will present high-class sprinter Mitbaahy as an accepted runner. Audience, victorious in the G1 Lockinge Stakes in 2024, will make a second visit to Dubai under trainers John and Thady Gosden.

Erwan Charpy, Head of Department for Racing Operations & International Relations at Dubai Racing Club stated: "We are delighted to have acceptors for the Carnival from so many different countries." He further expressed excitement about hosting numerous Group 1 winners and high-class horses over the coming weeks.

Charpy added: "We are excited about welcoming so many Group 1 winners and high-class horses to Dubai over the next few weeks and wish everyone the best of luck with their planning and travel." The event promises thrilling races as it draws international talent to compete on one of racing's grandest stages.

With inputs from WAM