Dubai: A top official from the Dubai Racing Club is hoping to see a UAE-trained horse compete in the Dubai World Cup (Gr 1).
"The path that they have to take is pretty clear. They need to compete in premium events locally such as the Maktoum Challenge series and the Dubai Racing Carnival and then venture outside the country," Frank Gabriel Jr, the club's CEO, told Gulf News.
The official further stated that domestic competition is not sufficient to tap the talent and drive of a locally-trained horse.
"The horse needs to travel as well. It has to be sent all over Europe and other prime international races around the world," Gabriel Jr. stated.
Such visits abroad will not only pitch a talented horse against the best competition worldwide, but also prepare it for a possible run on Dubai World Cup night.
Pleasing display
"Competing against the best horses globally will show how much promise a horse holds to be there among the best on World Cup night," Gabriel Jr. said.
The senior official, who is also a member on the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Steering Committee, was pleased with the way in which some of the locally trained runners have come through the ranks this season.
"Trainers Doug Watson and Erwan Charpy in particular have done well for themselves this season," Gabriel Jr. said.
At the same time, he foresaw plenty of room for improvement in the future.
Potential horse
"Trainers should possibly see the potential in a particular horse and target specific Group races to keep up to the development curve," he said.
Gabriel Jr is excited about the prospects of an entertaining World Cup next weekend.
"We are extremely pleased with the field we have for World Cup night.
"We have some of the best horses in Dubai. Besides Curlin, we have a couple from last year who have been showing a lot of promise like Premium Tap and the Japanese horse Vermillion. In addition we have a fantastic field for the two premium turf races [the Dubai Sheema Classic and the Dubai Duty Free]. Overall, it is such a satisfying field," Gabriel Jr added.
Given this background, the official is confident of yet another successful running of the Dubai World Cup on March 29.
"It's going to be a wonderful evening of top-quality racing and entertainment," he said. "We are always on the lookout to ensure that everything on the night is attractive to everyone."
