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| Staff Writer |
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Champion jockey Tadhg O'Shea is maintaining his iron grip on the UAE premiership with 35 victories and US$2,000,000 in earnings, but the competition is breathing down his neck as the season enters its crucial phase.
Connor Beasley is mounting a serious challenge, having notched 28 winners and amassed US$2,425,000 in prize money, while Silvestre De Sousa holds third position with 27 successes and US$1,070,000 in the coffers.
Rising star Ben Coen is catching the eye with a remarkable 21.6% strike rate, while Sandro Paiva continues to shine as the leading freelance rider.
The training ranks are witnessing a fierce three-way battle, with Michael Costa setting the pace on 28 winners and US$1,305,000 in earnings. The handler is being pursued by Musabbeh Al Mheiri, who has saddled 26 winners and banked US$1,096,000.
Bhupat Seemar sits third with 25 victories but leads the prize money standings with US$2,211,000. Ernst Oertel is gathering momentum with 24 winners, while Charlie Appleby continues his Meydan domination, striking at an impressive 31% with 13 winners from just 42 runners.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum holds sway in the owners' standings with 28 winners and US$1,305,000 in prize money, closely followed by Yas Racing on 27 successes and US$665,000 in earnings.
Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda occupies third position with 21 winners and US$375,000 in the bank, his team building momentum as the season progresses.
The coming weeks promise to deliver more high-class action as the season reaches its climax, with several major prizes still up for grabs. The key question remains whether the current pacesetters can maintain their advantage against those launching late charges.
For comprehensive championship standings and fixture information, visit the Emirates Racing Authority website.