Jack Mitchell will arrive in the UAE on October 29 with renewed confidence after securing the biggest victory of his career, a first Group 1 success that has added another chapter to the 37-year-old British jockey’s steadily growing career.
Mitchell, known for his cheerful personality and easy rapport with people around him, claimed that landmark victory aboard Saddadd in the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden in Germany, riding in the colours of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The success came for trainer Roger Varian, one of Mitchell’s long-standing supporters, and provided timely encouragement ahead of his move to the UAE.
On arrival, Mitchell will work closely with the Simon Crisford stable, continuing a relationship that has already produced a number of notable successes.
“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,” Mitchell said.
He will operate as a freelance rider while taking opportunities with the Crisford yard when required.
Jack Mitchell Ready for a New Challenge in the UAE
Although Mitchell has ridden only twice in Dubai, he is far from unfamiliar with the region. His most recent appearance came in the 2023 Dubai Gold Cup, when he finished seventh aboard German challenger Sisfahan.
Dubai, however, is a place he has visited regularly away from racing. The prospect of spending more time there had been on his mind for several years, but family commitments and a busy schedule in Britain repeatedly delayed the move.
“I’ve holidayed there before and I’ve always loved it. I think it’s a brilliant place,” Mitchell said.
This year, the timing felt right. At 37, he believes the experience gained over a long riding career gives him the confidence to take on a new environment without losing his position in British racing.
The Group 1 success in Germany has also strengthened that belief.
“I’m more established for when I come back, so I don’t have to worry too much,” he explained.
A Group 1 Victory That Took Time to Sink In
The victory at Baden-Baden was particularly meaningful because it came for Varian, who has been an important figure in Mitchell’s career.
Mitchell admitted that the race itself did not carry the usual nerves associated with a major international contest. He felt Saddadd had the form to make a strong showing and was also comfortable with the German track, having ridden there previously.
Even after crossing the line first, however, confirmation took a moment.
“I knew I’d won but I still wasn’t sure until I saw the car cameraman who follows you around,” he recalled.
That moment brought the realisation that Mitchell had finally secured his first Group 1 victory.
The success also came with an unusual distinction. Mitchell is currently the only jockey in Britain to hold a pilot’s licence, and he plans to make use of that qualification during his time in the UAE.
Away from racing, the move should offer a different rhythm from the demanding seven-day schedule he has experienced in Britain.
“It’s pretty relentless here, which is good, but being over there and riding three or four times a week appealed a bit more than going to Newcastle in minus-four degrees for one ride!” he joked.
Mitchell is also looking forward to exploring life away from the racecourse. Padel, golf and further flight training are among the activities on his list, with flight schools in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah already under consideration.
With top agent Carl Hodgson now representing him, Mitchell heads into the UAE chapter with a minimum riding weight of 55kg. His experience also extends beyond Thoroughbreds, with considerable exposure to Arabian racing adding another dimension to his profile.
The UAE dirt will provide a fresh test, but Mitchell views it as another opportunity to broaden his skills.
“It’s a new challenge, but another aspect to our riding as jockeys,” he said.
For a jockey who has already balanced family life, a demanding British schedule, international riding and even flying, the move to the UAE appears to suit his temperament. Mitchell’s first Group 1 victory has arrived at an important point in his career, and the next chapter promises a different kind of challenge.
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