Renowned Trainer Mike De Kock Makes Anticipated Return to Dubai Racing Scene with Son Mathew
Renowned South African horse trainer Mike De Kock is making a highly anticipated return to the Dubai Racing Carnival, this time forming a training partnership with his son, Mathew. Their comeback marks a new chapter after their previous departure in 2022, a decision influenced by the complexities of exporting horses from South Africa due to African Horse Sickness regulations. This re-entry into the Dubai racing landscape is expected to bring renewed excitement, as De Kock holds a distinguished record as the Carnival's most successful international trainer.
Mike De Kock's legacy in Dubai is significant, boasting an impressive 186 victories in the UAE, which include triumphs in a Group 1 Sheema Classic, a Dubai Turf (G1), an Al Quoz Sprint (G1), and six G2 UAE Derbies. His return signifies a strategic move to once again harness the opportunities presented by the vibrant Dubai racing scene. The partnership with Mathew is a crucial element of this new venture, combining Mike's extensive experience with Mathew's fresh perspectives, particularly those gained from his time in Australia.
The logistical challenges that previously led to their departure have largely been resolved, making horse movement from South Africa more manageable. However, the requirement for full flights means they often coordinate with other equestrian disciplines like show jumpers and endurance horses. To overcome this, the De Kocks are actively sourcing talent from Argentina, including Colorado Del Monte, a dual Group 1 winner, specifically acquired for Dubai's racing circuit. They also plan to establish a presence in England to launch their campaign effectively.
Unlike their previous setup at Blue Stables, the De Kocks will operate from international stables, adopting a flexible approach where both Mike and Mathew will travel between locations rather than maintaining a permanent staff. This strategy allows them to pursue opportunities beyond Dubai, with a keen interest in sending horses to the United States after the Carnival, building on recent successes of South African thoroughbreds in American races.
A significant figure in De Kock's past successes has been Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, whose iconic yellow and blue silks graced many of De Kock's champions, including Asiatic Boy, the UAE's sole Triple Crown winner, and Dubai World Cup (G1) runner-up Mubtaahij. De Kock expresses a desire to see the Sheikh return to competing with strong contenders in the Derby, rekindling their successful association.
Mubtaahij is a familiar name to U.S. racing enthusiasts, having competed in the 2015 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes under De Kock's guidance. Another notable horse, The Apache, trained by De Kock, crossed the finish line first in the 2013 Arlington Million (G1) before a disqualification. Beyond international acquisitions, De Kock is also looking to foster local support, with initial backing secured from Hollywoodbets and Laurence Wernars, hoping to attract more South African owners to the venture.
De Kock has played a pivotal role in elevating South African bloodstock on the global stage, a mission that remains central to his efforts. He acknowledges the short memory of the racing world and emphasizes the importance of continually exposing South African thoroughbreds to international markets. Recent successes in America with horses like Grade 2 winner Gimme A Nother and Grade 1-placed One Stripe underscore the capability of South African horses, reinforcing his belief in their potential.
The return to Dubai also offers strategic advantages for using Meydan as a training hub for races across the Middle East. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries now offer high-level racing with attractive prize money, presenting excellent opportunities for South African thoroughbreds. By competing in these regions, De Kock aims to spark interest from international buyers in South African sales and horses in training, helping to re-establish the country's presence after a period of reduced visibility since 2017-2018.
The father-son partnership is a key highlight of this return. Mathew, now an experienced horseman with insights from his time in Australia, brings significant value to the team. Mike De Kock expressed his excitement about this collaborative effort, highlighting the dynamic blend of experience and fresh perspectives that Mathew contributes.
Dubai racing fans will undoubtedly recall De Kock's memorable achievements at Nad Al Sheba and Meydan, which began in the early 2000s. A standout moment was the 2003 Dubai World Cup meeting, where Ipi Tombe (Dubai Duty Free, G1) and Victory Moon (UAE Derby, G2) secured a remarkable double. De Kock fondly remembers victories like Sun Classique in the 2008 Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) and Shea Shea in the 2013 Al Quoz Sprint (G1) as particularly special, often connecting these triumphs with the people involved and the shared dreams.
Dubai has always held a special place for De Kock, serving as a successful base and a beloved destination. His legendary "South African parties" during World Cup week are testament to the vibrant community spirit he fostered. He hopes to see a resurgence of South African fans and owners traveling to Dubai for World Cup night, bringing back the tours that once saw large groups from South Africa enjoy the spectacle. This return is not just about racing; it's about rekindling connections and celebrating the enduring passion for the sport.