Dubai calling for Damian English and 800gns Dundalk star Geological

Trainer Damian English and stable star Geological will swap the lights of Dundalk for the sands of Dubai this winter as the remarkable 800gns bargain buy has booked his ticket for the 2020 Meydan carnival.

The popular 13-time winner, who recently rattled off a hat-trick at Ireland's sole all-weather venue, will continue his fairytale journey in the UAE early next year, with English relishing the chance to see his stalwart in action.

"It's hugely exciting times for everyone here," he said. "We've been organising transport for him this morning and it's really starting to feel real now. He'll fly on December 27 and the plan is for him to stay until March."

The North County Dublin trainer added: "There are plenty of races out there for him and it'd be interesting to maybe experiment with him on the dirt at some stage."

Since joining English for just 800gns from Richard Hannon in October 2015, the versatile campaigner has amassed more than €200,000 in prize-money and won from six and a half furlongs to a mile.

Damian English: 'It's a dream to be here looking forward to Dubai with him'Credit: Patrick McCann

English said of the seven-year-old, who recently won on his 100th and 101st starts: "It's been a journey and a half with this horse, he's full of surprises.

"We bought him as a three-year-old and it's a dream to be here looking forward to Dubai with him – it'll be lovely to get some sun on our backs for the winter.

"He's a popular horse and one that people know what to expect from. When he wins, it's generally a decent price too."

Geological's partnership with apprentice Vanessa Maye has been one of the stories of this year's winter series at Dundalk, with the Maynooth rider set to join him on his travels after racking up an all-weather hat-trick on the 96-rated performer.

Vanessa Maye rode her first winner aboard Geological at Dundalk in OctoberCredit: Alain Barr

"Someone has to travel with the horse and Vanessa has put her hand up to offer her services to make the journey," said English. "It'd be hard to take the ride from her now, so we're all excited about what lies ahead.

"Geo has just been brilliant this winter at Dundalk. He had a few minor problems and came down the weights while still running fairly well during the summer.

"It's all fallen into place lately and he's really struck up a great relationship with Vanessa – they seem to very much click."

English had initially hoped to be double-handed in Dubai with the useful Trading Point, but will rely solely on Geological after the five-year-old had a minor setback.

Place bets without leaving our fastest ever app. Get the same prices, same offers, live video - every race, every day. Update to our fastest ever free app here