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| Staff Writer |
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With AF Maqam primed for a tilt at the prestigious UAE President Cup and the glittering Dubai Kahayla Classic on the horizon, Ernst Oertel exudes quiet confidence at his UAE training base. The multiple Group One-winning trainer has weathered the ever-intensifying competition in Arabian racing to emerge as one of the sport's most consistent forces, and his current stable stars appear poised to add to an already impressive legacy.
"I'm relying on AF Maqam as my flag bearer," Oertel reveals, discussing his plans for the prestigious UAE President Cup and Kahayla Classic. The trainer's measured approach to campaign planning reflects years of experience managing Arabian performers at the highest level, with his string consistently delivering at the sport's pinnacle.
Joining AF Maqam in the spotlight is stablemate AF Alajaj, who recently demonstrated his potential with a strong second-place finish at Sharjah. "He's an improving horse,"Oertel notes, his voice carrying the quiet confidence of someone who has guided multiple champions."Sometimes they can develop into quality performers."
"You've got to look after them. You can't just run them and run them and run them. They run like five times a year. That's plenty. We don't want to abuse them."
This conservative approach to race planning has served Oertel well throughout his career, leading to a string of successes with horses like AF Maher, who captured the 2019 Dubai Kahayla Classic at Meydan's Dubai World Cup meeting, and AF Mathmoon, who secured multiple Group One victories including the 2016 UAE President Cup.
The cornerstone of Oertel's operation lies in his commitment to breeding and developing homebred talent, a philosophy that has produced remarkable results over the past decade. Working closely with Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, one of the UAE's leading owner-breeders, Oertel has consistently developed top-class performers from locally bred stock.
However, losing the influential stallion AF Al Baraq to overseas interests has impacted the breeding programme, with UAE regulations preventing the stallion's return for stud duties despite his local origins. "His sons can come, but he can't come and base himself at a stud here again," Oertel explains, highlighting the complexities of Arabian breeding regulations in the region.
The trainer's success with homebreds has been particularly noteworthy given the increasing international competition in Arabian racing, with major operations from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Europe regularly competing at the highest level in the UAE.
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The conversation turns to broader challenges facing Arabian racing in the UAE, with Oertel offering candid insights into the pressure points within the system. "It's been tough because racing has got tougher. Every year, there are 500 extra Arabians in the system, and they haven't increased the races."
"Maybe they should think about having an Arabian meeting at Meydan. It would take the pressure off. Just saying Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain must do ,is not enough."
His suggestion for expanded racing opportunities, particularly at Meydan, reflects a deep understanding of the sport's growing needs. The trainer's perspective carries weight, given his position as one of the most successful handlers of Arabians in the UAE's history. The current racing calendar, concentrated primarily at Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain, struggles to accommodate the growing number of horses in training.
Strategic Approach To International Campaigns
While Oertel's stable has enjoyed success on the international stage, his approach to overseas campaigns remains carefully calculated. "It's difficult when you've got one or two good horses. We got races at home, and we cater for home first, before we go overseas," he explains, emphasising the importance of targeting the right opportunities.
This strategy has proven successful, allowing his horses to peak for the major domestic targets while maintaining their freshness throughout the season. The trainer's focus on quality over quantity has resulted in an impressive strike rate at the highest level.
Despite the challenges, Oertel maintains an optimistic outlook for the future of Arabian racing in the UAE. His confidence in Sheikh Mansour's leadership suggests positive changes are on the horizon. " Sheikh Mansour does a great job as the head of racing,' says Oertel. 'He will address these challenges soon."
The upcoming UAE President Cup, one of the calendar's highlights, represents another opportunity for Oertel to demonstrate his skill with Arabian performers. AF Maqam's preparation for this prestigious target reflects the meticulous attention to detail that has become the trainer's hallmark.
As the conversation wraps up, it's clear that Oertel's commitment to developing homebred talent while advocating for improved racing opportunities reflects the delicate balance between tradition and progress in Arabian racing. With AF Maqam and AF Alajaj carrying the stable's hopes, the upcoming season promises to add another chapter to Oertel's remarkable story in UAE racing.
The trainer's success over the years, including his multiple UAE champion trainer titles and Group One victories, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of his methods. His ability to consistently produce top-class performers from locally bred stock has not only contributed to his personal success but has also played a significant role in elevating the standard of Arabian racing in the UAE.
As Arabian racing continues to evolve in the UAE, Oertel's voice remains an important one in shaping its future direction, with his balanced approach to both training and industry development serving as a model for sustainable growth in the sport.