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| Staff Writer |
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Based in Meydan with 26 horses under his care, Julio Olascoaga is preparing for an ambitious Dubai World Cup Carnival campaign headlined by highly rated Sound Money (USA). Despite facing early-season challenges due to stable relocation, his powerful team includes proven performers First Constitution (Chi), Loreley (Brz), Daramethos (Ire), and several promising prospects.
"We've faced some difficulties during the summer, while changing stables inside Meydan; it wasn't as smooth as planned and had delayed our operation a bit, but now we're all set up," Olascoaga reveals about the summer's stable move. "We're starting to train earlier this season, and being based here year-round helps us prepare properly."
Among his newer prospects is Mount Kosciuszko, who made an immediate impact, winning first time out this season. "He wasn't even 70% ready for that race and won well," Olascoaga notes. "He is owned by Sky Racing Syndicate, and I believe he'll step up to condition races soon. The feedback from his morning work concerning his potential has been really encouraging ."
"South American horses here in the UAE have always performed well - from Invasor winning the World Cup to Asiatic Boy claiming the Triple Crown," states Olascoaga.
Drawing from his South American background, Olascoaga understands the potential these horses offer in UAE conditions. His current string includes promising Southern Hemisphere contenders Go Chrome Go (Arg), Rock Walk (Uru), and Atletico El Culano (Uru).
"For the horses mentioned, some are coming from other trainers, with highs and lows in their careers, some returning from injuries, and some with good results last season. At the beginning of the season, we're just getting to know them and plan to make them peak during the carnival," Olascoaga shares.
"We get the best results from South American horses," he explains. "The owners want to show what they can produce at a competitive level, and the UAE provides that space. They're slowly starting to be recognised as a force to be reckoned with. South American horses have always been well-related to the UAE and the region."
The trainer's diverse roster also features Wild Crusade (GB), Satu (Arg), Don Vaccaro (Uru), Nam Phrik (Brz), Devassa (Brz), Giustino (Arg), Moonshiner (Uru), Drew's Gold (USA), and Logo Hunter (Ire). Each brings unique qualities to the stable, representing various racing jurisdictions and training approaches.
"The Southern Hemisphere three-year-olds are what we always look forward to - they've been a strong part of our operation." ," Olascoaga shares
The process of integrating new horses while managing the stable relocation has been challenging but rewarding. "There are changes in the kind of training we're doing," he explains. "Now that we are based here for a full year, we are starting to train the horses early and racing slowly, but earlier during the summer."
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Following last season's educational foray into the Saudi Cup meeting, Olascoaga takes a measured approach to future Saudi campaigns. "If they continue to evolve, we might go again with some of the two-year-olds for the derby," he explains. "For the rest of the older horses, they might stay in Dubai, as there's plenty of suitable races for them."
This pragmatic approach demonstrates his commitment to placing horses where they can perform best, rather than chasing prestigious targets without proper preparation. The experience gained from the Saudi venture has informed his planning for the current season.
"Every owner is different, but one thing is the same for everybody - they want to see their horses progressing and competing."
One development that particularly encourages Olascoaga is the emergence of new ownership structures in UAE racing. "We have international owners, South Americans, local owners, and new syndicates for expats living here in the UAE," he explains.
"Owners are the moving engine of the industry. It is the responsibility of the entire industry to look after anyone who invests in the sport. I’ve seen a surge in syndicate-type ownership, which brings the sport closer to many different people."
Despite managing diverse ownership interests, Olascoaga maintains that certain fundamentals remain constant, "Every owner has different intentions and goals for their horses, but they all want to see progress and competitive performances. The season is very short, so you have to wait all year to see horses running. However, you can be happy to see new syndicates here in the UAE and that new people are getting involved."
The trainer's philosophy centres on sustainable development and hands-on involvement. "Goals remain unchanged: continue to grow as a team, gain experience and learn from it. Key to our success has been working hard and staying close to the horses. Small team, but with a big commitment."
As the Dubai World Cup Carnival approaches, Olascoaga's methodical approach and understanding of diverse bloodlines, particularly from South America, positions him well in the UAE racing landscape. While the delayed start due to stable relocation presented early challenges, his systematic approach to training and clear understanding of each horse's potential ensures the stable can maximise opportunities during the carnival season.
Each horse receives individualised attention, with race plans crafted to suit their specific capabilities. "We always try to get the best of every horse and find them suitable races," he emphasises. "It depends on every horse, and it depends on the races as well."
With Sound Money leading a strong team into the carnival and new owners continuing to invest through syndication, Olascoaga's influence on UAE racing looks set for further growth this season. His commitment to both excellence and accessibility continues to attract new investment to the sport, helping to secure its future in the region while maintaining focus on delivering results for his diverse group of owners.