Costa heads back to the Coast, ending Dubai adventure

Michael Costa will end his successful four-year stint training in the Middle East with the Australian horseman set to re-establish himself with a public stable in South East Queensland.

Plucked from relative obscurity in 2022, Costa made an immediate mark on racing in Dubai, lifting the performance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum-owned Jebel Ali Stables into one of the best in the region.

With the Middle East facing the prospect of an ongoing war involving Iran, and the wider implications of the US-led conflict, it would seem an easy decision to depart Dubai.

But Costa said the ongoing conflict in the Gulf was not the reason for leaving the United Arab Emirates, instead indicating that his wife Mel and four children wished to return to Queensland to live.

“Dubai is a truly amazing city. The lifestyle, the people, the energy – it’s a place we have been proud to call home,” Costa said. 

“We leave with incredible memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I will miss it dearly.”

Costa has trained 112 winners in four seasons in Dubai, with his final runners to be on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on Saturday.

He has Marbaan entered for the Al Quoz Sprint, Midland Money in the Dubai Golden Shaheen and Elnajmm in the Dubai Turf.

Costa credited Sheikh Ahmed for changing his life “in a way I could have only dreamed of as a child”, declaring he was an “extraordinary man”.  

“To be given this opportunity, to be trusted in this role, and to work so closely with him is something I will forever be grateful for,” the trainer said. 

“It’s not just what he has done for my career, but what he has meant to me and my family.

“I have the greatest respect and gratitude for him, and I will always be there whenever he calls.”

Costa will be assisting in the transition period of the stable as it is handed over to a new trainer while the Australian is keen to reopen his own base back on the Gold Coast.

He believes he will return to Queensland as a better trainer than when he left four years ago.

“I’ve been incredibly privileged to work alongside and learn from some of the greatest minds in racing, from elite trainers across all jurisdictions to veterinary experts, nutritionists, and leaders in fitness and equine performance,” Costa said. 

“The knowledge shared and standards upheld at this level are exceptional, and what I’ve learned about training and preparing a thoroughbred to perform at its peak will shape everything I do moving forward.”

The ambitious Costa hopes to have a stable capable of competing at the Australian and international carnivals.

“We return to Australia 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,” he said. 

“To build something special and to take everything we’ve learned here into the future.”

Costa’s family has already returned to the Gold Coast.