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More than 300 international runners are set to grace the Dubai Racing Carnival this season, with Hong Kong sensation Romantic Warrior leading the charge for what promises to be an exceptional campaign at Meydan.
The international programme, expanded last term to encompass all Meydan fixtures from November through March, has already yielded success for the visitors. Heart Of Honor opened the overseas account when scoring for British handler Jamie Osborne on December 6.
Osborne heads a strong contingent of foreign trainers establishing winter quarters in Dubai, joined by Lucie Botti and multiple Norwegian champion Niels Petersen.
Nine-time Group One winner Romantic Warrior, officially the highest-earning horse in training with career earnings exceeding US$19 million, touched down on Tuesday. Trained by Danny Shum, the superstar is being aimed at the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta on January 24.
The race has previously been claimed by luminaries including Lord North (2023), who went on to land the Dubai Turf, and Alfareeq (2022), subsequently successful in Saudi Arabia.
Fellow top-level winners Facteur Cheval and King Gold are among other notable nominees eyeing Carnival glory ahead of the flagship Dubai World Cup meeting on April 5.
Erwan Charpy, DRC's Manager of Racing Operations and International Relations, said: "We are delighted to receive so many stable applications for the Carnival, which came from all over the world. The quality of the nominations was also extremely high and we are very happy that so many trainers wish to base horses in Dubai for the season, further strengthening our belief that this is the ideal hub from which to race across the Middle East."
The action continues with Festive Friday this week, featuring the Gr.2 Maktoum Mile and Gr.2 Al Rashidiya among the highlights at Meydan.