Dubai Racing Club and Tattersalls partner for Dubai International Racing Carnival sale

The Dubai Racing Club has announced that from this year, the annual Horses In Training Sale in Dubai will be moved forward and include a DIRC Session whereby horses that have competed at the Carnival can be put up for auction.

The Sale will now be held on March 4 and 5, preceding the Super Thursday meeting at Nad Al Sheba on March 6.

"We are excited to have a global brand such as Tattersalls join us with this initiative," said Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr. "We have seen the Carnival grow enormously since its inception in 2004 and this is another step forward.

"The new session of the sale is open to all horses who were eligible to race during the Carnival and with the quality of horses we have had here in 2008, it promises to attract the attention of buyers worldwide."

Approximately 200 international horses have arrived, or are due to arrive, in Dubai for this year's Carnival, the majority of which are rated 100 or above, the mark equating to international Listed level.

"With the growth of the Carnival, has come an ever increasing demand from owners to have horses compete here and this is a prime opportunity for them to purchase a Carnival candidate for the following year,' Gabriel Jr added.

"Buyers from around the world are welcome and we hope to have as many of them in Dubai for the Sale and to stay for the Super Thursday meeting on March 6 which promises to be yet another outstanding night of racing.

"Everyone in the world of racing knows of the Tattersalls name and by linking with such a prestigious company, it allows us to reach their strong client base."

Commenting on the appointment, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said: "The Dubai International Racing Carnival continues to go from strength to strength and we are honoured that the Dubai Racing Club has chosen Tattersalls as its partner for the inaugural Dubai International Racing Carnival Sale.

"The quality and diversity of the catalogue promises to appeal to a wide cross section of international buyers and we are looking forward enormously to this new initiative with the Dubai Racing Club."