Michael Costa chasing UAE Trainers' title and glory on Dubai World Cup night

Khaleej Times

01-04-2025

Australian trainer Michael Costa finds himself in uncharted yet thrilling territory as he approaches the final weeks of the 2024-2025 UAE racing season, sitting atop the Trainers' Championship standings.
However, with the prestigious Dubai World Cup just four days away, his immediate focus shifts to Meydan's grand stage, where he aims to make an impact at the 29th edition of the $30.5 million event on Saturday.
Costa will saddle three contenders: SADAATY in the $1m Godolphin Mile (G2), MARBAAN in the $1m Al Quoz Sprint (G1), and MALJOOM in the $5m Dubai Turf (G1). While some of his runners are longshots, he remains optimistic, knowing that major race days often produce 'big' surprises.
'I couldn't be happier with the form of my team heading into the Dubai World Cup meeting,' he told Khaleej Times. 'Some of them might be 30/1 chances, but anything can happen on a big race night.'
While winning the trainers' title would be a significant personal milestone, Costa insists that the biggest reward would be securing it for his owner, Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security.
'It would be a great feather in the cap personally, but I would enjoy it more for Sheikh Ahmed,' he admitted. 'It would be a way to repay him for selecting me for this role at Jebel Ali Stables.'
Costa is savoring his best campaign yet since joining Jebel Ali Stables in 2022. His yard has been in formidable form, securing a total of 38 winners and amassing over Dh 6.7 million in prize money.
Having narrowly missed out on the championship last season, which was won by Bhupat Seemar, Costa has used that experience as motivation. His approach has been measured and methodical, focused on maintaining balance and sending horses to the races in peak condition.
'We had a great summer, and the goal was simply to continue improving each season,' he said. 'We worked hard in the off-season to build our team, and this season, we wanted more Group winners and we've achieved that. It's been another big step forward.'
Despite the unpredictability of World Cup night, Costa is confident in his team's chances. ''Our runners are coming off last-out wins and are in great shape. International form lines can be tricky, but we're ready.'
With Musabbeh Al Mheiri (37 wins) and Ernst Oertel (35) closing in, Costa (38) remains unfazed.
'We don't have any influence on how other trainers perform, so we just focus on our own stable,' he said. 'Our job is to get the horses to the races in the best possible shape. The results will take care of themselves.'
Since arriving at Jebel Ali Stables in 2022, Costa has embraced the unique challenges of UAE racing. The shorter season and dirt tracks have required adaptation, but he sees parallels with his Australian roots.
'The biggest difference is the dirt track and how horses recover after racing or training,' he noted. 'Also, Australia races year-round, while the UAE has a shorter conditions book.'
Regardless of how the championship race unfolds, Costa's focus remains on long-term success. 'We'll work hard to build a strong team for next season,' he said. 'Another goal is to have horses that can travel and compete internationally in the off-season.'
As the season reaches its climax, Costa is determined to raise the bar for Jebel Ali Stables. Whether or not he secures the UAE Trainers' Championship, his impact on UAE racing is already being felt - and he is committed to making an even bigger statement in the seasons ahead.
- Dubai Turf (G1) 1,800m Turf – MALJOOM (IRE)