The 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival made history, as winners from five different countries celebrated success at Meydan, marking the most international triumphs in the event’s 22-year run. With 22 overseas winners across 16 race meetings, this Carnival set a new benchmark for global participation.
Trainers from the UK, Denmark, France, and Oman were among those whose horses shone brightest, highlighting the Carnival’s growing appeal for international competitors. Overall, 130 overseas-trained horses—more than 20% of all runners—competed in Meydan’s showcase races. Dubai Racing Club hosted 47 international trainers representing countries including Sweden, Norway, Czechia, Spain, Hong Kong, and Ireland.
Highlights of the Carnival included a Danish double on 30 January. Soren Jensen’s Taifuu captured the Mawj Stakes, while Bent Olsen’s Great Wish stormed home in the Listed Dubai Sprint. Great Wish now has an invitation to the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup day, 28 March.
British trainer Jamie Osborne had an outstanding Carnival, sending six winners to the post. Among them were Heart Of Honor in the Listed Entisar Stakes and Brotherly Love in the Listed Road to the Kentucky Derby. Both are slated for major races on World Cup day—the $12 G1 Dubai World Cup and G2 UAE Derby, respectively. UK-based South African trainer Dylan Cunha and Newmarket’s Richard Spencer both scored two victories, while France’s Nicolas Caullery notched a win with Piana in the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas.
“This has been by far the most international Dubai Racing Carnival with the largest number of horses as well as trainers,” said Erwan Charpy, DRC’s Head of Department, Racing Operations & International Relations. “We have been running our quarantines at full capacity and enjoyed an average of 12 runners per race throughout the Carnival. I would like to thank John Nicholls and the teams at Dubai International Stables and Dubai World Cup Quarantine for looking after everyone so well.”
The Carnival isn’t over yet. Meydan is set to welcome more international runners from Japan, the UK, France, and the USA ahead of the milestone 30th Dubai World Cup on 28 March. With such a diverse lineup, this year’s Carnival promises to remain a landmark celebration of global racing excellence.
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