Buy a racehorse in Dubai: a private guide for owners
By the Silk Road Bloodstock team · Updated 21 October 2026
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Dubai has some of the richest racing in the world, from the Dubai Racing Carnival to Dubai World Cup night. The great bloodlines, though, are bred in Britain, Ireland and France. We are a Dubai-based bloodstock agent. We find the right European horse, buy it in your name and bring it to your trainer.
Who this is for
- Owners in the UAE who want their own horse, in their own colours, not a share in a syndicate.
- New residents of Dubai who love racing but have no network in Newmarket, the Curragh or Deauville yet.
- Owners who already race in the Gulf and want a better horse for the winter season.
Two ways to own a European horse from Dubai
1. Race in the UAE
We buy the horse in Europe. A licensed shipper flies it to the UAE, and it is trained by a UAE-licensed trainer of your choice. An import permit is needed before the horse travels, with official health certificates, blood tests and quarantine as set by the UAE authorities. Your trainer registers you and the horse with the Emirates Racing Authority.
2. Keep the horse in Europe
The horse stays with a top trainer in Britain, Ireland or France. You race at the great European meetings and can send the horse to the Gulf for the biggest nights as a visiting runner. Our management service starts from US$2,000 per horse per month.
The 2026–27 season: dates that matter
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 26–29 Oct 2026 | Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, Newmarket: see our picks |
| 6 Nov 2026 | Dubai Racing Carnival opens at Meydan |
| 13 Nov 2026 | Bahrain International Trophy (Group 1), Sakhir |
| 27 Mar 2027 | Dubai World Cup night, Meydan (Dubai World Cup US$12m) |
Buying a horse that is already racing (a "horse in training") is the fastest way to have a runner this season. A yearling bought now races later, but costs less at the start. Read our horses in training guide.
How we buy for you
- Your brief. Your budget, where you want to race, who trains for you. Send it here or on WhatsApp.
- A private shortlist. Pedigree, race form, official ratings and videos for each horse.
- Inspection and vetting. The horse is seen in person, and independent vets do X-rays and a wind scope.
- Your written authority. We bid or negotiate only up to the limit you sign.
- You pay the seller directly. Your purchase money never passes through us.
- Home to your trainer. Insurance, export papers and shipping, arranged with licensed companies.
What it costs
- The horse: we work from US$50,000 per horse.
- Our fee: 5% of the price, minimum US$5,000, agreed in writing. Try the cost calculator.
- Also allow for: vetting, insurance, shipping and import costs, and monthly training fees. Travel for inspections is charged at cost.
Racing is never certain, and no honest agent promises wins or returns. What we promise is a careful search, clear terms and advice that works only for you.
Questions owners ask
Do I need to be a UAE national to own a racehorse?
Rules on who may race in the UAE are set by the Emirates Racing Authority, and your UAE trainer will confirm what applies to you. If you prefer, your horse can be kept and raced in Europe instead.
Can you also sell my horse?
Yes. We can enter your horse in a European sale or find a private buyer.
Do you speak Arabic?
Yes. Read this site in Arabic.
A private enquiry
The right horse is rarely on a list. It is found through patience, a trained eye and a word in the right ear. Tell us what you hope for, and we will reply personally and in confidence.
Begin a private conversation Send your brief
Budgets from US$50,000 per horse. 5% fee, agreed in writing.
Read next: How to buy at Tattersalls from overseas · Fees and process