In 2023 we saw stars such as Mostahdaf, Khaadem and Pyledriver all carry Dubai form with them to Royal Ascot and win at the most prestigious meeting on the British calendar.
So, what does 2024 have in store?
We will see plenty of Dubai Racing Carnival visitors on course all of the five days, and when the meeting gets underway today at 15h30.
Dubai racing fans are in for a treat from the very first race of the five-day meeting, when Gr1 Dubai Turf [sponsored by DP World] winner Facteur Cheval lines up in the Gr1 Queen Anne, over 1600metres.
Gr1 Dubai Turf [sponsored by DP World] winner Facteur Cheval (white blaze, second from outside) is back in action in the opener today (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
“We don’t have any questions about good ground because he won on it in Dubai,” said trainer Jerome Reynier. “He’s done the straight course at Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth so everything seems to be in good shape for him.”
Cairo, unplaced in the 2023 UAE Derby and 2024 Dubai Turf, also runs in the Queen Anne, for his new trainer Alice Haynes.
British trainer George Scott sent Seven Questions to the Carnival and the Victorious-owned gelding returned home with a bang, winning the Gr3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket. He has been supplemented for the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes on Tuesday.
“I’m not going to say he’s going to win, but he’s earned the right to be there,” said Scott. “He’s a quirky horse, so we will travel him to Ascot the night before and give him a canter on the track in the morning.”
Joining Seven Questions in the King Charles III are fellow Dubai visitors Emaraaty Ana, Equality and Al Quoz Sprint third, Diligent Harry.
Today’s card is looking a busy one for Dubai runners, with dual Carnival winner Ouzo heading to the Listed Wolferton Stakes for trainer Jamie Osborne.
Given a break since his victory in the Lord Glitters Handicap in February, the eight-year-old will be ridden by Osborne’s daughter Saffie, who made history when becoming the first female to ride a winner at Meydan Racecourse earlier this year.
Catch all the Royal Ascot action on Gallop TV!
