Michael Costa Announces Exit from UAE Training Ranks and Return to Australia

Michael Costa has announced that he will be stepping down from his role as head trainer at His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Jebel Ali Stables in Dubai, with the Queenslander revealing his ambition to “build something special” on his return to Australia.

“I have loved every minute of my time at Jebel Ali Stables,” read a statement from the trainer. “To be entrusted with training for His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been the greatest honour of my career.

“What we have achieved together is something I’m incredibly proud of. To take a stable that was rebuilding and see it rise back to the top is a reflection of the people behind it.”

Costa, who was appointed as head trainer at Jebel Ali Stables in March 2022, has trained 112 winners during his time in the UAE and is set to be represented by three runners on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on Saturday.

They include the G1 Al Quoz Sprint contender Marbaan (Oasis Dream), the winner of last year’s G2 Al Fahidi Fort, and the G1 Dubai Turf hopeful Elnajmm (Sea The Stars), who is seeking a hat-trick having followed his victory in the latest edition of the Al Fahidi Fort by landing the G3 Ras Al Khor.

Paying tribute to Sheikh Ahmed, Costa continued, “Sheikh Ahmed is an extraordinary man. He puts the good of the sport before himself – always. His passion for racing, his integrity and the way he looks after his people set a standard that is truly exceptional.

“He has changed my life in a way I could have only dreamed of as a child. To be given this opportunity, to be trusted in this role, and to work so closely with him, is something I will forever be grateful for.”

Costa will now return home to the Gold Coast where he enjoyed success as a trainer before departing for Dubai, notably winning the G2 Missile Stakes in 2021 with Phobetor (Dream Ahead).

He added, “Now it’s time for the next chapter. We return to Australia (QLD) with new goals and a clear vision – to source elite Australian speed, compete at the highest level in Australia and bring back that Australian speed to compete in Dubai and Royal Ascot.

“To build something special and to take everything we’ve learned here into the future.”