Dubai: Christopher Hayes, the new retained rider for Jebel Ali Stables, will not put himself under pressure to match the exploits of former jockeys who have ridden for the championship winning outfit.

The Group 1 and Classic winning jockey is mindful of the fact that the likes of Johnny Murtagh, Willie Supple, William Buick and James Doyle, who have all donned the stable’s famous yellow silks at some point in their careers, have all gone on to achieve the highest international success.

“It’s a privilege to get the job as this is something that I always wanted to do,” said Hayes. “But I don’t want to put any pressure on myself by setting any goals or objectives.

“I am aware that many top jockeys began their careers at Jebel Ali, which is a good thing, but that’s something that’s not playing on my mind.

“I just want to get a good grip on things and see how the racing progresses and learn as much as I can. Thankfully I have a good master in Dhruba [Selvaratnam]”.

Hayes attended the Curragh’s Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) as a youngster and graduated at the age of 16. In an unforgettable week in 2013 he rode his first Group 1 winner aboard La Collina in the Matron Stakes and followed it up by capturing the Irish St. Leger with the Dermot Weld-trained Voleuse De Coeurs.

The mild-mannered Hayes, said he sought advice from Pat Smullen and Willie Supple before travelling to Dubai.

“I did my homework before flying out here. I spoke to Pat and Willie who gave me some good advice,” he said. “I looked at plenty of videos of racing in the UAE but the you don’t really know what its like until you actually come out here and ride on the various tracks.

“It’s my first time on a dirt surface and also the first time on a Purebred Arabian. It’s a new corner. But there’s always a first time for many things.”

Hayes wasted no time to open his UAE account when he booted home a double at the season-opener two weeks ago, with Lanadam and Morawij, a start that he says ‘could not have been better.’

What were his thoughts about the ‘new’ dirt tracks that he has encountered in the UAE.

“Jebel Ali is unique but it can be a bit similar in ways, particularly the stiff uphill finish, to some of the track back home in Ireland,” he said. “Galway would come to mind but Jebel Ali is probably more severe than Leopardstown, as regards the hill. But it’s a good test for horse and rider. You need a very fit, winning horses and of course you need to be fit yourself to be effective.”

Hayes has a full book of six rides at Jebel Ali on Friday, with Ostaad, Gobooll and Lanadam appearing to have strong claims.

Gobooll, twice a course and distance winner earlier this year, takes his chances in the feature race of the afternoon, which is sponsored by Shadwell.

“He has been working nicely and clearly was progressive last season,” said Hayes. “He will improve with the run under his belt but should give a good account of himself in a competitive race.”

The Doug Watson-trained Shamaal Nibras, also a course and distance winner last year, looks the horse to beat.

“He goes well fresh,” said Watson. “So the lack of a run is not a concern and he is in great form at home. He has a penalty so is giving weight to five rivals but we are hoping for a big run.”

Champion trainer Musabah Al Muhairi saddles Mashaaref, winner of the corresponding race in 2013, who concedes weight to all six rivals on Friday.