Japan's Dubai heroes high on the wish list for Royal Ascot, Goodwood and York

After two years during which intercontinental travel bordered on the impossible for horses and humans, executives from Britain's leading racecourses have returned from a fruitful week in Dubai with high hopes of attracting some major international stars to this summer's festivals.

Japanese-trained horses stole the show at Meydan, and Ascot, Goodwood and York – three tracks that have for some time worked in concert in their efforts to attract overseas runners – all boast Group 1 prizes with interesting profiles for that country's horsemen.

"The Dubai World Cup is still the most important meeting in terms of talking to that many global owners, trainers and jockeys, and it falls the month before entries close for the royal meeting," said Ascot's director of racing and public affairs Nick Smith.