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| Staff Writer |
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The UAE racing scene is witnessing an enthralling battle for supremacy with multiple championships hanging in the balance as the season enters its decisive phase. Tadhg O'Shea, demonstrating the skill that has made him the Emirates' most decorated rider, maintains his grip on the jockey standings with 35 victories and US$2,000,000 in earnings from 261 rides.
The nine-time UAE champion is facing his sternest test yet as Connor Beasley mounts a serious challenge, having partnered 28 winners from 244 mounts for US$2,425,000 in prize money. Silvestre De Sousa, exhibiting his trademark power-packed finishes, holds third position with 27 winners and US$1,070,000 in earnings from 188 rides.
The surprise package of the season, Ben Coen, is turning heads with the highest strike rate among UAE jockeys at 21.6%, while Sandro Paiva continues to excel as the leading non-retained rider, accepting mounts from various stables across the Emirates.
In an increasingly competitive trainers' division, Michael Costa has emerged as the pacesetter with 28 victories and a remarkable 20% strike rate, accumulating US$1,305,000 in prize money. The Queensland export has adapted brilliantly to desert racing conditions in just his second UAE season.
Seasoned campaigner Musabbeh Al Mheiri remains a persistent threat with 26 winners at 16%, bringing in US$1,096,000. His string continues to fire as the season progresses, particularly with his dirt specialists at Meydan's home straight.
Bhupat Seemar, operating from the historic Zabeel Stables, occupies third spot with 25 winners but notably tops the earnings table with US$2,211,000. Meanwhile, Ernst Oertel has gathered significant momentum in 2025, notching 24 successes with his powerful string of Arabians.
Charlie Appleby, masterminding operations from his Al Marmoom desert base, continues his remarkable dominance at Meydan, achieving an exceptional 31% strike rate with 13 winners from just 42 runners, reinforcing Godolphin's supremacy on the turf course.
The owners' championship sees Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's distinctive yellow silks setting the pace with 28 victories and US$1,305,000 in earnings, while the blue and white colours of Yas Racing maintain a strong presence in second with 27 wins and US$665,000.
Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, whose commitment to breeding and racing Purebred Arabians has been unwavering, holds third position. His team has secured 21 victories and US$375,000 in prize money, demonstrating growing influence as the season progresses towards its climax.
As the campaign enters its crucial phase at both Meydan and Abu Dhabi, attention turns to whether the current pacesetters can maintain their advantage against those gathering late-season momentum. The emergence of fresh challengers and the consistent performance of established names sets up an intriguing finale to the UAE season.