The British trainer is preparing for the 2026–27 Carnival from Grandstand Stables following earlier success in the UAE.
British trainer George Scott is preparing for the 2026–27 Dubai Racing Carnival with a 19-horse team operating from a new base at Meydan Racecourse, expanding his Middle Eastern presence after successful seasons in the region.
Scott’s team will be based at Grandstand Stables at Meydan, where he is establishing his first permanent Dubai base. The project is backed by a group of owners led by Victorious Forever, alongside prominent names from the UAE and international racing.
The 38-year-old said his results on previous Middle Eastern campaigns had encouraged a more settled presence in Dubai, describing the new base as an important step in his team’s development.
Success that paved the way
Scott has recorded four wins from 28 starts in the UAE. His Dubai Carnival success began in 2019, when Another Batt won as the trainer’s very first Carnival runner.
In 2025, West Acre strengthened that record by winning the Group 2 Blue Point Sprint and the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Sprint. Force And Valour, owned by Victorious Forever, also won on dirt last season and returns for a third Carnival.
New horses and Dubai owners
Scott’s new squad includes Group 3-placed Saber Strike and the Resolute Racing-owned Rogue Legend, who has joined him from US trainer Wesley Ward.
Shiplake will represent Dubai Racing Club Chairman Sheikh Rashed Dalmook Al Maktoum, while Zoar and Mr Colonel race for his brother Sheikh Hamdan Dalmook Al Maktoum.
Michael Blencowe, the owner of West Acre, is represented by Listed winner Command The Stars and Lil Koulsty, both owned in partnership.
Victorious Forever has also purchased Wiki, a Listed winner in France, to join the team. Its colours will also be carried by Varzi, Gamri, Instant Force, Rizal, Wave Rider, Commander’s Intent and Major Neigh Sayer.
El Matador, He’s A Monster and Zubaru complete the team.
A long-term Middle Eastern presence
Scott believes the new base will offer owners greater access to major international racing opportunities while maintaining the standards of horse care and attention to detail followed at his British yard, Eve Lodge.
He said the ambition was to build on earlier international results with the strength of the new team and the backing of its owners. Establishing a base in a new environment will require continued learning and adaptation as the project develops.
He hopes the move will mark the beginning of a long and successful Middle Eastern presence for his team.
Dubai Racing Club announced plans in September for a Scott base with capacity for 20 horses. The new release adds the details of the squad preparing for the season, within a plan that allows the horses to compete at Meydan and other UAE racecourses, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Jebel Ali.
Photo: Pixabay via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 public domain. Generic illustrative archive photograph, not of George Scott, Dubai or his horses.