British racehorse trainer George Scott praised the role of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the global development of the sport. He said the support of Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family for racehorse ownership and breeding, as well as their investment in the racing industry, had made an exceptional impact, particularly in Britain and Ireland.

Ahead of the new Dubai Racing Carnival season, Scott highlighted Meydan Racecourse’s state-of-the-art facilities, the international significance of the Dubai World Cup and his decision to establish a winter base in the city.

The trainer, whose main base is in Newmarket, England, hopes to achieve further success in international races by expanding his presence in the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s Unparalleled Impact on Horse Racing

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Scott described the role of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family in developing Britain’s horse racing industry as unprecedented.

He said: “What the Al Maktoum family and Sheikh Mohammed have done for British horse racing is truly unprecedented compared with any other family or individual in the history of the sport.”

He said extensive investment in horse ownership and breeding, along with incentives and financial and commercial support, had helped many participants in the horse racing industry across Britain and Ireland continue their operations.

Godolphin, the international racing and breeding operation founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, is also regarded as one of the world’s leading horse racing and breeding organisations.

Scott also described Meydan Racecourse as a reflection of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for the future of horse racing, saying the venue was designed with particular emphasis on equine welfare and the spectator experience.

Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse Praised for Advanced Facilities

George Scott, who has competed in Middle Eastern racing, described Dubai as one of the world’s most attractive horse racing destinations.

He cited the high quality of the turf and dirt tracks, favourable evening racing conditions, advanced facilities and substantial prize money as key factors attracting trainers and horse owners to Dubai.

Scott said his growing interest in Dubai racing had prompted him to establish a winter base in the city, rather than making occasional appearances with a limited number of horses, allowing him to compete regularly.

Dream of Competing in the Dubai World Cup

One of George Scott’s key goals is to prepare a horse to compete in the Dubai World Cup.

First held in 1996, the race is considered one of the world’s most prestigious international horse racing events, attracting leading horses, trainers and jockeys each year.

Scott compared the atmosphere at the race to prestigious events such as Britain’s Royal Ascot, the Kentucky Derby in the United States and the Breeders’ Cup, expressing hope that a horse from his stable will compete in the Dubai World Cup in the coming years.

20-Stall Winter Base to Open at Meydan

George Scott plans to establish a 20-stall winter base at Meydan Racecourse, the Dubai Racing Club announced on September 9, 2026.

Located outside the international quarantine stables, the base will enable Scott’s team to compete in races across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Jebel Ali.

The trainer’s decision follows a series of successes in the Middle East, including West Acre’s victory in Dubai’s Group 2 Blue Point Sprint and Isle Of Jura’s triumph in the Bahrain Triple Crown.

According to the Dubai Racing Club, Wimbledon Hawkeye, West Acre, Ghamari, Commander’s Intent and Cyber Strike are among the horses provisionally lined up for Scott’s 2026–2027 campaign.

Bahrain-based Victorious Forever will also be a major backer of the campaign.

Scott’s horses are expected to arrive in Dubai in mid-November, allowing the team to prepare for races before the end of the year, including the December 18 meeting.

New Dubai Racing Carnival Season Set to Begin

The 2026–2027 Dubai Racing Carnival season will begin at Meydan Racecourse on Friday, November 6, featuring 16 race days through March 12, 2027.

Following the carnival, the 31st Dubai World Cup will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2027.

Scott welcomed the launch of his winter base in Dubai, saying he hoped the move would attract more owners, boost his team’s competitiveness and deliver further success in international races.