With the likes of Curlin and Seachange dominating the racing headlines of late, one subject that has received very little press is the current race for the coveted UAE jockeys title which is certainly being run to the wire.

Ted Durcan, who has topped the riders’ list on no fewer than six occasions, currently perches on the top of the tree a single winner ahead of his nearest pursuer.

With 213 rides so far this season, 21 mounts have been victorious and Durcan will obviously be going all out to ensure he retains his crown.

Despite the fact there are still 37 days remaining before Dubai hosts the richest day in horse racing, action on the track seems to be getting busier earlier than usual with international superstars from all corners of the globe arriving in Dubai.

Only five years since its inception, it’s fair to say the Dubai International Racing Carnival has placed itself well and truly on to the international racing calendar, and to coin a familiar phrase from my radio sidekick Tom Urquhart, the 2008 carnival is "bigger and better" than ever before. Dubai Racing Club’s CEO Frank Gabriel and International Manager Martin Talty deserve a massive pat on the back having played a big part in attracting animals of this calibre to the UAE.

Apparently with a "pep in his step" the world’s best dirt horse, Curlin, arrived at Nad Al Sheba quarantine barn on Sunday night and the Horse of the Year is on target to make his eagerly awaited seasonal debut at next week’s carnival.