British jockey Jack Mitchell is set to embark on a new professional chapter in the UAE, arriving on October 29 to pursue opportunities in the Dubai racing circuit. The 37-year-old, known for his affable nature and deep experience in the saddle, is heading into this venture with significant momentum following his career-first Group 1 triumph. According to jack Mitchell, He gets on with everyone and it’s easy to believe. Chatty and on the crest of a wave having recently ridden his first G1 winner, the 37-year-old British jockey is cheerful. With the confidence of that win behind him, Mitchell will arrive in the UAE on 29 October relishing the challenge ahead.
That breakthrough success occurred in Germany at the Grosser Preis Von Baden, where he steered Saddadd to victory in the silks of the late Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Reflecting on the win, Mitchell noted that the team was confident, believing their primary competition was the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic third-place finisher, Giavellotto. He admitted that the realization of his victory only truly set in once he spotted the cameraman tracking him on the course. “I’ve holidayed there before and I’ve always loved it – I think it’s a brilliant place.
In the UAE, Mitchell plans to work closely with the stable of Simon Crisford, building on their established, successful professional history. He describes his arrangement as effectively freelance, allowing him to support Crisford’s team as needed. This transition is supported by top agent Carl Hodgson, with Mitchell prepared to compete with a minimum riding weight of 55kg. “I’m excited about working for Simon, I’ve ridden for the stable for quite a while and we’ve had quite a lot of success and a good relationship, so hopefully that continues,” he says. “I’ll effectively be freelance, but ride for Simon when he needs me.”. I’ve talked about coming out for the past four or five years but I’ve been busy here [in the UK] and the kids were so young.
While his previous experience in Dubai is limited to just two rides—most notably finishing seventh on the German challenger Sisfahan in the 2023 G2 Dubai Gold Cup—Mitchell is no stranger to the region as a visitor. He expressed a long-standing desire to compete there, noting that family and professional commitments in the UK previously kept him stateside. Now 37, he feels the timing is right to embrace the UAE circuit. However, he is something of a regular visitor.
The move also offers a lifestyle change from the demanding seven-day schedule in the UK. Mitchell looks forward to a more balanced routine that permits time for personal interests, including golf, padel, and aviation. As the UK’s only jockey holding a pilot’s license, he is actively exploring flight school options in Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah.
Mitchell is particularly enthusiastic about adapting to the local conditions. Beyond his extensive experience with Thoroughbreds, he brings valuable expertise in riding Arabians. He acknowledges that the dirt tracks in the UAE present a distinct hurdle, describing the surface as a fresh challenge and a unique facet of his development as a professional rider. His calm, methodical approach to both flying and horse racing remains a cornerstone of his preparation for the Dubai season.
