Prominent Dubai Horse Racing Trainer Announces Departure Following Missile Attack Ordeal
One of Dubai's most successful horse racing trainers has revealed he will leave the United Arab Emirates to return to his native Australia, after his family endured the terrifying experience of sheltering from missile attacks. Michael Costa, who moved from Queensland to the Middle East in 2022, confirmed his departure following a four-year tenure marked by both professional triumph and personal trauma.
A Career High Cut Short by Regional Conflict
Michael Costa was appointed as the private trainer for Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the prestigious Jebel Ali Stables in 2022, relocating his entire family from Queensland to embrace this elite opportunity. Under his leadership, the stable was revitalised into a major regional force, with Costa securing twenty-four winners this season alone, placing him fourth in the highly competitive trainers' standings.
His final duties in Dubai will include saddling three runners at the upcoming Dubai World Cup meeting this Saturday, where his leading contender, Midland Money, will compete in the lucrative Golden Shaheen race, boasting a prize fund of £1.4 million. Despite this high-profile engagement, Costa has decided not to remain beyond the current season, opting instead to revive his career on home soil in Australia.
Family Sheltered Together During Missile Barrage
The trainer's decision follows a harrowing incident three weeks ago, when the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, including Dubai. Costa provided a vivid account to Racenet, describing how his family sought safety as hundreds of missiles and drones filled the sky.
"It has all been a bit blurry, we didn't get much sleep the first night at all," Costa recounted. "There was hundreds of missiles and drones and the major issue was the debris falling all around. It was very loud, obviously nothing like anything we have experienced before."
He praised the UAE's advanced defence systems, noting the incredible interception of incoming threats, but revealed the profound impact on his household. "We have had all the family together in the villa and we have been all sleeping in the one room, we are just staying put. I certainly didn't have this on the cards for 2026."
Gratitude and Future Ambitions
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Costa expressed deep gratitude for his time in Dubai, emphasising the honour of working with Sheikh Ahmed. "I have loved every minute of my time at Jebel Ali Stables," he stated. "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."
He further acknowledged that the Sheikh "has changed my life in a way I could have only dreamed of as a child," and expressed eternal gratitude for the trust and opportunity bestowed upon him.
Looking ahead, Costa outlined clear objectives for his return to Queensland. "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."
The UAE has faced a significant wave of attacks since the onset of the broader regional conflict, reportedly intercepting over 350 missiles and 1,806 drones. Despite these security challenges, the Dubai World Cup meeting is proceeding as scheduled, showcasing the resilience of the sporting calendar. However, for Michael Costa, the experience has prompted a decisive return to Australia, blending a celebrated career chapter with the sobering realities of geopolitical instability.
