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Strong start by Costa points to promising UAE season for Jebel Ali Stables

After saddling five winners at the opener the Australian handler adds two more to take his tally to ten for the campaign

Published: Mon 20 Nov 2023, 12:44 PM

  • By
  • Leslie Wilson Jr.

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Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Director-General of Emirates Racing Authority, with trainer Michael Costa and jockey Ben Coen during the prize presentation for the Handicap Sprint Stakes Sponsored by Emirates Sprint series which was won by Bilhayl. - Al Adiyat Racing Plus.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Director-General of Emirates Racing Authority, with trainer Michael Costa and jockey Ben Coen during the prize presentation for the Handicap Sprint Stakes Sponsored by Emirates Sprint series which was won by Bilhayl. - Al Adiyat Racing Plus.

Resident Jebel Ali Stables handler Michael Costa continued his strong start to the season when he saddled a pair of exciting winners at the at Jebel Ali Racecourse this weekend.

Costa was the toast of the town when he sent out five winners at the opening meeting at the ‘yellow’ racecourse two weeks ago and he delivered once again.


The Australia trainer, enjoying his second season at the helm at the stables created by Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, also landed the feature race of the day for the second consecutive time.

Interestingly, Costa called up Omani apprentice Qais Bin Saif Al Busaidi to partner Mersaal to win the Mohaather Stakes Sponsored by Shadwell.

Costa’s second runner Sadaaty, the mount of stable jockey and Irish Classic winner Ben Coen, ensured that it will be a one-two for the home team when chasing stable companion Mersaal home.

Coen, who won the Irish St. Leger for form Jebel Ali Stables jockey Johnny Murtagh aboard Sonnyboyliston in 2021, did not go home empty handed having earlier in the afternoon won the Handicap Sprint Stakes Sponsored by Emirates Sprint series with Bilhayl.

The double took Costa’s tally for the season into double figures and given the way that his runners have been delivering, the future looks very bright and rewarding.

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