It is by no means an easy feat for any trainer to campaign horses on foreign turf given the fact that you need an individualistic type of horse to purse your endeavours and one that not only travels well and adapts but one who is exceedingly durable and competitive.

I wish they could breed horses of that kind, but then again that’s obviously not possible. Not every horse fits the bill but the ones that do are unique and extraordinary specimens. Commonly referred to as globetrotters they are the type who acclimatise easily and are unfazed by unfamiliar surroundings.

I like them. And there was also so much to like at Meydan last Thursday, where five of the Carnival races fell to overseas challengers. I have nothing against locally trained horses cashing in on home advantage, but it’s always refreshing to see a new face in the winner’s enclosure.

The Dubai World Cup Carnival was devised to attract the best horses from around the world, and over the years it has succeeded in luring several high-quality equine athletes, not just for the big prizes on Dubai World Cup day but for the handicaps and lesser pattern races that give the event depth and appeal.

Ireland is well represented at this year’s Carnival with an army of 25 horses, which must surely please the Dubai Racing Club, who have campaigned tirelessly to lure the best horses to compete at Meydan.

There are attractive incentives in place for visiting connections and the facilities on offer are second to none in the world. Every time I visit the stables at Meydan I am gob-smacked by the high standards maintained at this horse haven. Even the surroundings are taken into consideration, where dedicated staff are seen working round the clock, giving one the perception that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of overall perfection.

It’s a wonderful time of the year in Dubai and the weather is so extraordinarily inviting so I guess it must feel amazing to be up at the crack of dawn and to get down to the Meydan stables, which are a beehive of activity.

It is in this sanctuary where some of the biggest wins are plotted and it all starts shortly after sunrise. One can almost feel the excitement, the buzz, which for some translates to success on the neighbouring track like it did for South Africa’s Mike de Kock, Irish trainers Michael Halford and David Marnane and Yorkshire’s Richard Fahey on Thursday.

And I’m sure there’s much more to come.