What began as an ambitious winter venture has blossomed into a remarkable international opportunity, as Dividend Dubai Turf aspirations turn into reality for British trainers Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole. Their four-year-old gelding Dividend has secured an invitation to the prestigious $5 million Group 1 Dubai Turf, capping a memorable first campaign at the Dubai Racing Carnival.
Arriving in the Middle East with hope rather than expectation, the yard has enjoyed a breakthrough spell on the global stage. Two victories and a commendable second-place finish behind Quddwah in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes have propelled Dividend into elite company, ensuring his place among the headline acts on Dubai World Cup night.
“We’re delighted that Dividend has been invited,” said Insole, reflecting on the journey. “It’s a credit to Lucy Hammond, who has done all the work with them out there, and Jodie Wingrove, who has ridden him since he arrived in our yard in England.”
The Carnival campaign has seen steady progression. After finishing third on his seasonal return in January, Dividend found his rhythm with back-to-back wins before producing a strong runner-up effort in the Singspiel Stakes under Rossa Ryan. The performance, achieved just eight days after his previous outing, underlined both his resilience and potential.
Dividend Dubai Turf preparation gathers momentum
Insole believes the conditions in Dubai have played a crucial role in unlocking the gelding’s ability. The son of Kodiac has thrived in the warmer climate and adapted seamlessly to the Meydan routine.
“He was quite a playful, energetic two-year-old, but he’s been very easy to deal with,” Insole explained. “He loves quick ground and the step up in trip at Meydan has definitely helped. He’s thriving in the weather and being abroad. He enjoys his work and has loved cantering on the main track every day.”
Training has been carefully managed, with much of his routine conducted on dirt while sharper efforts have come on turf. The balance appears to have suited him well, with the team noting both his physical and mental development during the campaign.
Integral to the success has been travelling head girl Lucy Hammond, experiencing her first Dubai stint. Her efforts, alongside the wider team, have not gone unnoticed.
“There are people who have been going to Dubai for years and haven’t had a winner,” Insole added. “For us to have two winners, a second in the Singspiel, and now a runner on World Cup night—it’s incredibly exciting.”
The Dubai Turf will present a significantly stiffer challenge. Among the likely rivals are top-level performers including 2024 winner Facteur Cheval and multiple Group 1 scorer Ombudsman. Yet the Newland and Insole camp remain quietly optimistic.
“He’s going to have to step up again,” Insole acknowledged. “But his Singspiel run came off a very quick turnaround. This time, he’ll have more time to freshen up and prepare properly.”
The step up to nine furlongs is expected to suit, as is the likely stronger pace of a large, competitive field. Connections are realistic in their ambitions but hopeful of a bold showing.
“If we could finish in the first four or five, the whole syndicate and the team at home would be delighted,” he said. “It’s an honour and a privilege to be invited to a race like this.”
Whatever the outcome on 28 March, Dividend Dubai Turf participation marks a significant milestone for a yard enjoying a breakthrough moment on the international stage—proof that, occasionally, racing dreams do find their way to reality.
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