By Duane Fonseca
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s legacy in racing was further strengthened Saturday afternoon at his home track where the Jebel Ali Racecourse patron enjoyed a 500th UAE winner. Sheikh Ahmed’s contribution to racing in the UAE has been phenomenal and the success achieved by runners donning his bright yellow silks stretches far and beyond.
And he would have been particularly delighted having reached the landmark which his new appointees - trainer Michael Costa and jockey Jean van Overmeire - combined to produce with Mersaal, who crossed the line first in the 1200m sprint for maidens. Costa and Van Overmeire could have made it 501 wins for the new boss a race later, when Shamikh only just failed in his bid to hunt down Tenbury Wells in the feature event of the card.
Heaping praise was General Manager of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) which governs the racing in the UAE, Eng. Mohamed Al Shehhi, who said: “This is a very happy day and a happy occasion for Sheikh Ahmed to get this 500th winner through Mersaal, who has won on his debut and that too at home for new trainer Michael Costa who has had a terrific start to his UAE career.
“We wish him all the best along with jockey Jean van Overmeire. Both men have proven their grit and drive early on, wasting no time in scoring for the yellow silks that we all love so dearly.” Costa was brought in to replace Nicholas Bachalard and placed in the role in March.
The 35yo Australian has been busy attending sales and seems to be on track for a good season having scored thrice already with Van Overmeire supplying all three winners. “It was a good thing to bring His Highness a 500th winner and to repay him for giving me the opportunity to be here and train for him,” said Costa, who has a further three seconds and as many thirds from 16 dispatches.
“I’m just extremely grateful and think I’m the world’s luckiest trainer to be training at this facility which is simply world class and the best I’ve ever been to. Having Sheikh Ahmed’s support and free rein to train horses the way we want to, buy the yearlings that we want to buy, the future’s extremely bright for the stable.”
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