The Dubai World Cup Carnival is one of the most anticipated carnivals in the world. The DWCC is not simply about the prize money, but it is also about the pride and the glory that comes along with it. With competition from all the top connections in the world. There is nothing that comes easy.
The Dubai World Cup Carnival is one of the most anticipated carnivals in the world. The DWCC is not simply about the prize money, but it is also about the pride and the glory that comes along with it. With competition from all the top connections in the world. There is nothing that comes easy.
George Scott Racing is not any strangers to this magnum opus event. They won significant praise and prize money. Trainer Scott hopes to repeat his success in 2020 as well. Ten Furlongs chats with George Scott about his horses and his aspirations for the Dubai World Cup Carnival.
Q: This is the second time you will be racing at Meydan. What made you decide to come to Dubai the first time and how was the experience?
A: Dubai offers a fantastic opportunity for both trainers and owners throughout the winter months. They put on excellent prize money and everyone is always very well looked after. It’s an obvious choice if the horse fits. We had a fantastic experience with Another Batt winning £100,000 last winter.
Q: Who is your champion horse this year and when does the race?
A: I'm bringing a horse called Lyndon B who has a similar profile to our winner last year Another Batt. He’s won and been second on his last three starts and was very unlucky not to win at Glorious Goodwood. He’ll start in a handicap on the 9th January 2020. I think he’s the right type of horse for the Carnival.
Q: What are your international racing plans for 2020?
A: I'm always looking to run horses abroad, however, it’s not until we get into the spring and we see how the horses are performing before plans are made. I’ll often dip into Europe and pray we have horses good enough to run in races like the Breeders Cup later in the year. Although I don’t know what will be running abroad in 2020, I’ll certainly be travelling horses. I’ve been successful in travelling, having had winners in 4 separate countries since I started training.
Q: Please tell us a bit more about the historic yard and the horses which are stables there.
A: Lester Piggott designed and built the yard and trained from Eve Lodge once he retired. We are delighted to rent the property from Fawzi Nass. Fawzi has put a huge amount of time and money into upgrading Eve Lodge into a brilliant facility. We have a Treadmill, a large indoor ride, turn out and plenty more at our disposal.
Q: How many horses you currently have in the yard? How many horses can you accommodate and what are the facilities you offer owners?
A: I’ll have around 60 horses for next spring with the capacity to accommodate around 15-20 more. It’s always been about growing into this yard. I have a purpose-built owner’s room, where visitors can relax and enjoy coming to watch their horses train. I take owner communication very seriously, as most people who own horses don’t have the time to visit them that often. I ensure owners receive plenty of videos, pictures and written updates wherever they are based in the world. I have recently updated the platforms I use for communication, which will give owners lots more information regarding their horses in training.
Q: When did your love affair with racing start and how did George Scott Racing begin?
A: I’ve been training for four years and got into racing through a love of horses from an early age. I grew up on a farm in Shropshire where my parents had horses. I was initially interested in Jump Racing and rode as an amateur jockey, but quickly fell in love with the speed and excitement of summer flat racing.
Q: According to you, what is the most difficult part of working in the racing industry and what is the most inspiring part?
A: Injuries are one of the most challenging aspects of training horses. Although I have the best vets in the country, with racing being a competitive sport you do have the odd setback. Most horses make a full recovery from niggling issues, however, it is very disappointing to have to retire horses which have not had the opportunity to reach their potential.
The most inspiring part is definitely bringing a young horse on through the ranks and seeing them succeed at a high level. There is nothing better than that winning feeling.
Q: Who was the best horse you have ever trained and raced and where is he now?
A: Multiple stakes winner James Garfield, won the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes in a course record time as a two-year-old and then went on to win the most significant 2000 Guineas trial as a three-year-old. Sadly later that season he was touched off in the Group 1 Prix Maurice du Gheest, Frankie Dettori had the race all but won but got nailed on the line. James Garfield received an official rating of 119 and now stands at Rathbarry Stud in Ireland, where he has been popular in his early career as a stallion.
Q: And who is your most favourite horse in the world and why?
A: I was lucky enough to be around Noble Mission for the last two years of his career. Not only was he a fantastic treble Group 1 winner, but he also had the most incredible constitution. I don’t think he ever missed a day’s training in the two years I was associated with him. He gives breeders an opportunity to breed closely to Frankel and he’s proven on both Dirt and Turf. I train a daughter of his for the Niarchos family called Earth & Sky who won twice in 2019. I look forward to following his career at stud, the early signs are positive.