This is an exciting time as the build up to the start of the flat season is underway and next weekend sees the hugely valuable Dubai World Cup being staged. This is the richest day’s racing in the world and will be the target for a huge worldwide focus.

There will be limited Irish interest as the only runner trained here and going to compete will likely be Sole Power. The usual exodus of horses to the UAE for the Carnival was not so strong this year, no doubt influenced in part by the decision to change the artificial racing surface to dirt. This limited opportunities for many. Time will tell if that decision was a good one and no doubt the organisers of the Carnival will be reflecting on this matter after the season ends. The growth in international opportunities for high-class runners is such that there are plenty of alternatives. It would be a pity if this great night of racing was to be diminished in any way by the absence of a stellar international challenge.