CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON, 33
The leading rider in Dubai, Christophe Soumillon, has enjoyed another fantastic season at Meydan, typified by big race doubles on Vercingetorix and Shea Shea on Super Saturday.
One of the most flamboyant men in the game, Soumillon has a life off the course that is often in the spotlight, as his partner Sophie Thalmann was Miss France in 1998. Soumillon was earlier retained by the Aga Khan, and won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice for him, on Dalakhani and Zarkava. An incredible all-round horseman, Soumillon has also won the biggest hurdle race in France. His strike rate at Meydan over the past four years is an impressive 21 per cent.
FRANKIE DETTORI, 43
World-famous Dettori has had his problems over the past couple of years, but there is an old saying that you can’t keep a good man down. And Italian-born Dettori, son of a top jockey and a ballet dancer and christened Lanfranco, is one of the best riders we have seen in recent years.
Back from suspension last year, the previous Godolphin jockey signed a contract with Shaikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, only to break a foot in a freak racing accident days before the Arc in Paris, where he was due to partner the fantastic filly Treve. She won easily while Dettori was a frustrated spectator, but he has recovered and is back to his normal best now, and probably has a great season ahead of him.
MICKAEL BARZALONA, 23
Barzalona, a Frenchman many will forever associate with his rather unorthodox celebration, standing upright and throwing his fist skywards a few strides before passing the winning post on Derby winner Pour Moi at Epsom in 2011, joined Godolphin shortly afterwards. He has since established a firm position in the European elite.
The remarkable aspect to his riding has been how quickly he adapts his style to different racecourses around the world, including Meydan. He won the World Cup on longshot Monterosso in 2012, and later in the year partnered Encke to classic success in the St Leger in England. He was a clear number one on the jockey’s table at Newmarket last year.
JOSEPH O’BRIEN, 21
The son of trainer Aidan O’Brien, Joseph took over the job as first jockey at the Ballydoyle operation two years ago, when just 19. Those touting the appointment as nepotism and an unwise move by O’Brien senior were soon proven wrong. The tall, lanky Joseph was an instant success, and he has kept the momentum going with wins in European classics, at the Breeders’ Cup in America and here at Meydan, where he rode St Nicholas Abbey to success in last year’s Sheema Classic.
His career as a flat jockey is not expected to last long, however, as at 180cm tall, he was not really cut out to be a jockey. Keeping the weight down will not be possible as he gets older. He was champion jockey in Ireland for a second time last year, partnering a record 126 winners in a season. >
PAUL HANAGAN, 33
Twice a champion jockey in Britain, Hanagan is now into his third year as jockey of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, one of the biggest jobs in this profession. Although he has yet to win a Group One in Shaikh Hamdan’s colours, it is clear what a good pilot he is, not least demonstrated when he won last year’s Godolphin Mile on Soft Falling Rain from a difficult draw.
He also rode some fine races on Mukhadram in England last year, and this horse could well give the owner and rider their first Group One win — the World Cup. Hanagan has won 18 races at Meydan this winter, and finished second or third 27 times, from 140 rides.
DOUGLAS WHYTE, 42
The top rider in Hong Kong, South African Whyte has had a great start to 2014. He is certainly one to note when he comes to Meydan, where he is set to ride Akeed Mofeed in the World Cup. Whyte partnered this ex-Irish runner to success both in the Hong Kong Derby and Hong Kong Cup last year. He also won last year’s Hong Kong Mile, partnering Glorious Days.
This year, Whyte has tasted big race success at home on Akeed Mofeed, Sterling City (Golden Shaheen runner) and Gold Fun, who he guided to success in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup on March 16. Durban-born Whyte has been champion jockey in Hong Kong for 13 consecutive seasons, and he holds the Hong Kong record of wins in a season (1,524).
