Cracking Carnival In The Offing The eagerly-awaited 2008 Dubai International Racing Carnival kicks off on Thursday, and by the time the last horse crosses the line in the world's richest horse race ? the 6million Dubai World Cup on Saturday March 29th ? over 31million will have been distributed in prize money.There are 10 meetings before the big night, taking place every Thursday and on two Fridays over that period. Super Thursday (March 6) is the final fixture before the big night and forms something of a high-profile dress rehearsal.A strong European challenge is always guaranteed with regulars Stan Moore, Gerard Butler and Clive Brittain set to have runners from the beginning.Racing fans are also due to see a first UAE runner for Her Majesty The Queen in the shape of the Andrew Balding-trained Banknote, while Ralph Beckett, Robert Cowell, Gay Kelleway, John Best, Karl Burke, Paul Cole, Ed Dunlop, John Gosden and Jeremy Noseda are among a plethora of British-based trainers to have horses accepted.Mick Channon is employing a change of tactic this year with quality taking precedence over quantity.He only has Championship Point for the handicaps, but the likes of Halicarnassus, Youmzain and Majestic Roi are all set to flex their muscles in the higher-profile races.From Ireland, Eamon Tyrrell, Dermot Weld, John Oxx, Tracey Collins, Charles O'Brien and John Oxx are all set to be represented.Also taking part to add a true international flavour will be horses from Scandinavia, Germany, Turkey, Italy, France, Macau, New Zealand, Bahrain, India, Argentina and South America.South African representatives have a traditionally strong record, and this year both Mike De Kock and Herman Brown are expected to deploy large teams.Martin Talty, international department manager for the Dubai Racing Club is delighted with the standard of horses on show.He said: 'In terms of quality it is definitely the best Carnival to date with the majority of accepted horses rated 100+.'We are expecting about 250 international horses, from 76 trainers and 18 countries, including the likes of Quijano, Youmzain, Eagle Mountain and Asiatic Boy.'(C) PA Sport
