A new take on the old jockeys' challenge format is to be introduced as the finale of the Dubai International Racing Carnival this season. The "Meydan Masters" is a jockeys' challenge, which will ramp up the excitement ahead of Meydan's first Dubai World Cup on March 27, according to the organisers. Jockeys traditionally represent their country when participating in challenge events, but Dubai Racing Club (DRC) had instead drawn up a series of qualifying races. The winners of each race will be invited to compete at the March 5 event. Eleven jockeys have been selected and DRC plans to invite a surprise 12th competitor. "The races we have identified have been won by jockeys that are true masters of their craft," said DRC CEO, Frank Gabriel. "The opening of Meydan will be history in the making and what better way to show that than by having 12 of the world's best riders, who have excelled this year, all competing against one another at the Meydan racetrack. Malih al Basti, the Meydan board member, explained DRC's decision to invite jockeys to compete as race winners rather than for their country. "With racing now being so international, it is difficult to establish a formula for which jockey should represent which country. Jockeys don't necessarily ride full time in their home country. For example, does Frankie Dettori represent Italy, or Darren Beadman and Douglas Whyte, who are so successful in Hong Kong, represent Australia and South Africa respectively? "With the Meydan Masters, these world-class jockeys will represent themselves against their contemporaries from across the globe." Due to the retirement of Mick Kinane, who won the Epsom Derby and the Prox de L'Arc de Triomphe, St Leger winner, Ted Durcan and Prix du Jockey Club winner, Christophe Lemaire have been drafted in. The Meydan Masters will be held over four support races including the Zabeel Mile, recently upgraded to Group Two status. ( * Horse and jockeys replaced Mick Kinane, who won the <b>Derby</b> and <b>Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe</b> races with <b>Sea the Stars</b> )