Leading English jockey Jim Crowley is the main jockey for HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s stable in Dubai since 2016. He was recently seen riding John Gosden trained-Muntahaain the Australia Melbourne Cup, which was a lifelong ambition for Crowley.

Although he didn’t win this time, he was very pleased when UAE owned Godolphin horse Cross Counter claimed the Melbourne Cup.

“It was a really fantastic atmosphere. The local people were very happy (to see Cross Counter win).”

He is due back in Dubai at the beginning of January for the Dubai World Cup Carnival and expects to leave after notching up some victories on Dubai World Cup night.

Crowley has achieved plenty since making his switch from National Hunt racing to the Flat more than 10 years ago. Just during the last UAE season, he won over AED 10m in prize money.

As a leading jockey, Crowley has worked with some of the best trainers in the world and had the opportunity to ride the best horses in the world. He does, however, have some favourites for this season.

“I am looking forward to riding Muntazah (by Dubawi). He only ran two races last season and he was second in the Godolphin Mile (On Dubai World Cup night). He is a stand out horse and could be a top horse for the Godolphin mile. That he was second in last year. He is trained by Doug Watson.

“Ekhtiyaar also looks good to go.

“Almanaar looks like he could hopefully progress into a Golden Shaheen horse on World Cup night he is a full brother to the top stallion Dark Angel. He was very promising last season.

“I was hoping to ride Ertijaal who was one of my favourites. He was a 1000m specialist, unbeaten at that distance. Unfortunately, Ertijaal died a couple of days ago of colic, very sad as he was a real superstar and had a big following

“Among the Arabians, I’m most looking forward to riding Al Zahir, Barnamaj and AF Mathmoon.”

*Ertijaal beat top-rated Godolphin sprinter Blue Point in the Meydan Sprint last season.

Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com