Have you ever considered the meticulous training process for racehorses in preparation for one of the most prestigious events, the Dubai World Cup? As dawn breaks at Meydan, the extensive grounds buzz with activity well before the crowds arrive. By 5 a.m., trainers and their teams are already engaged in a thorough inspection of the horses, ensuring they are ready for another day of rigorous training during the Carnival season.
Ed Crisford, a seasoned trainer, oversees the care of 30 horses at Meydan Stables. He has dedicated the last 10 years to this role, following in the footsteps of his father, Simon, both of whom previously worked with the renowned Godolphin stable owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Crisford now splits his time between the UAE and England, bringing a wealth of expertise to the stable.
It is essential to note that not all horses at Meydan are contenders for the Dubai World Cup. Most are geared up for the Carnival, with the top performers progressing to compete on World Cup night, contingent on their abilities. The stables can be viewed as a pyramid, where numerous horses reside at the base while only a select few ascend to the elite level of the sport.
The Carnival races occur almost weekly, each serving as a stepping stone toward the grand spectacle of the World Cup. This year’s event is scheduled for March 28 and boasts a staggering prize pool of $30.5 million. Preceding the Cup, the Emirates Super Saturday on February 28 will finalize the contenders for this illustrious race, featuring nine races with varying distances and track surfaces. By the mid-point of the season, trainers like Crisford start to identify which horses show promise for the World Cup.
Crisford’s daily routine kicks off around 5 a.m. with a meticulous examination of each horse, checking their legs, temperatures, and overnight feed consumption. This careful assessment is pivotal in tailoring the day’s training priorities for each horse. His organized approach extends to maintaining a precise spreadsheet for each horse, ensuring clarity for the riders responsible for their training that day.
In addition to traditional training, some horses are granted a break from riding, opting instead to exercise on a treadmill designed specifically for them. These spaces reduce stress on the horse’s limbs while providing a controlled training environment. Additionally, Meydan features a unique swimming pool for horses, offering another luxurious training option that is not commonly available in ordinary stables.
Crisford views his role in horse training similarly to that of a headmaster in a school. Each horse is entrusted to his care by their owners, who expect regular updates on their progress and behavior. “Each horse has its own personality—some are challenging, while others are quite docile,” he notes. This assessment helps him determine appropriate race types that match each horse’s capabilities.
While many horses stay in Dubai throughout the racing season, some will return to England after the World Cup. International competitors often arrive mere days before the event, whereas those racing throughout the season arrive earlier to adjust to the climate and local conditions.
Despite the intensity of the Carnival and the numerous responsibilities that come with it, Crisford maintains a straightforward focus on his passion for horses and the sport. The thrill of winning continues to drive him, and he expresses it succinctly: “There’s not many better feelings than getting a winner.”