The UAE has made rapid strides in horse racing during the last decade and the inaugural Dubai International Racing Carnival, which kicks-off tonight, must surely herald an exciting new era for the sport. Since the Emirates Racing Association (ERA) was formed in the early nineties, the sport has gone from strength to strength and today can boast of an infrastructure, and appeal, second to none in the world.

The Carnival, which was concieved by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, represents another significant step forward for UAE racing. The next nine weeks encompasses the most prestigious races run in Dubai , culminating in the Dubai World Cup on March 27.

Total prize money on offer during the Carnival is $2 million with an average of over $117,000 per race, outside of the Dubai World Cup meeting."Horse racing is currently in the international era and every major racing centre around the world has an event that attracts horses from abroad," said Fin Powrie, Director of Racing, ERA. "Sheikh Mohammed felt tht time was now right to build on the success of the Dubai World Cup meeting and expand on it by inviting trainers and owners from around the world to enjoy racing in Dubai , not just for one meeting, but for ten!

"The response has been magnificient and we have entries from a broad spectrum of countries. So we're very, very hopeful at this stage that it will be a great success." Powrie and his team could not have asked for more. Tonight's opening meeting at Nad Al Sheba has attracted a total of 27 international contenders and sponsorship from the world renowned Derrinstown Stud and Shadwell Estate.

Among them today are the likes of Mark Johnston, John Oxx, David Loder, Nick Littmoden, Adrian McGuiness and Mike De Kock, with Clive Brittan, Mick Channon, Gerard Butler, Jeremy Noseda, Ed Dunlop and John Gosden also plotting forthcoming raids. Legendary Irish trainer Oxx, who has brought three horses to Dubai commented: "The rewards are good and it makes sense to give it a try."

International riders on duty in Dubai include Irish champion Mick Kinane, former UK champion Frankie Dettori, Jamie Spencer, Manuel Santos, togther with UAE regulars Richard Hills , Ted Durcan, Gary Hind, Richard Mullen and Willie Supple. Satellite Information Services Ltd (SIS), a London-based company involved in satellite broadcasting, will cover all the nine meetings which will be shown live in the UK and South Africa .

Live action will be produced by the local Dubai Sports Channel. SIS will also produce previews programmes which will be made available to broadcasters on the day before racing. SIS last covered live racing from Dubai during the foot-and-mouth outbreak in the UK in 2001.

Highlight

Jan 29 Maktoum Challenge Round 1 for Purebred Arabians (Gr1) and Thoroughbreds (Gr 3)

Feb 5 UAE 2000 Guineas ; Al Shindagha Sprint (Listed)

Feb 7 UAE 1000 Guineas , Al Fahidi Fort (Gr3)

Feb 12 Maktoum Challenge

Round II for Purebred Arabians (Gr1) and Thoroughbreds (Gr3)
Feb 21 Bani Yasi (Gr2)

Mar 6 Maktoum Challenge Round III Purebred Arabians (Gr1) and Thoroughbreds (Gr2); Dubai City of Gold (Gr3); Jebel Hatta (Gr3), Mahab Al Shimaal (Gr3)

Mar 11 UAE Oaks

Mar 27  Dubai World Cup (Gr1); Dubai Duty Free (Gr1), Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr1), Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr2).