POWERFUL owners Al Shaqab Racing have joined John Quinn's Norton yard.

The Arab-based group, controlled by Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, have added the Highfield-based handler to their roster of trainers after buying two horses at the yard.

Maiden winners The Wow Signal and Harry's Dancer are both Royal Ascot-bound and Quinn said it was a "huge privilege" to have "such high profile owners come in and invest in horses in our yard".

Al Shaqab Racing own Group 1 victors Toronado and Olympic Glory and Quinn now joins the likes of Richard Hannon, Luca Cumani, Marco Botti and Malton colleague Richard Fahey in training horses for the internationally renowned group.

It is a huge feather in Quinn's cap and reward for a trainer who has already scooped ten Flat contests this season. The Wow Signal won by nine lengths on his debut at Ayr last month and will next contest the Coventry Stakes on the opening day of the Royal Meeting on June 17.

Harry's Dancer took a Thirsk maiden by five lengths and has been earmarked for the Queen Mary Stakes on day two of Royal Ascot.

Quinn said on his website: "Recent Ayr winner The Wow Signal has been purchased by Al Shaqab Racing following his impressive nine length victory.

"A similar deal has been brokered with regards to our emphatic Thirsk maiden winner Harry’ Dancer as the same owners have bought in to the filly.

"It is a huge privilege to have such high profile owners come in and invest in horses in our yard. I am hopeful but also confident that both horses will show themselves in a positive light racing in their new colours.

"The Wow Signal will now head for the Coventry Stakes on day one of Royal Ascot whilst Harry’s Dancer will be next seen in the Queen Mary Stakes on the second day of the meeting."