British jockey Jack Mitchell is preparing for a fresh professional adventure in the UAE, scheduled to arrive on October 29. The 37-year-old rider, known for his upbeat personality, heads to Dubai riding a wave of momentum following the most significant achievement of his career: a breakthrough Group 1 victory aboard Saddadd in the Grosser Preis Von Baden in Germany. The win, achieved in the colours of the late Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has provided the veteran jockey with substantial confidence as he prepares for his upcoming stint. According to jack Mitchell, He gets on with everyone and it’s easy to believe. Chatty and on the crest of a wave having recently ridden his first G1 winner, the 37-year-old British jockey is cheerful.
Mitchell plans to work closely with the stable of trainer Simon Crisford, who is coming off success during the recent Dubai World Cup night. Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mitchell noted that he has enjoyed a long-standing positive relationship with the stable. While he will effectively operate on a freelance basis, he intends to prioritize rides for Crisford whenever required. “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,” he says.
Though Mitchell’s previous competitive experience in Dubai is limited to just two appearances—most notably a seventh-place finish on the German challenger Sisfahan in the 2023 G2 Dubai Gold Cup—he is no stranger to the region. Having visited as a tourist, he has long considered a professional move, previously held back by a demanding domestic schedule and family commitments. Now 37, he feels the timing is ideal to balance his career with a change of pace. However, he is something of a regular visitor. “I’ve holidayed there before and I’ve always loved it – I think it’s a brilliant place.
Reflecting on his recent G1 success with trainer Roger Varian, Mitchell shared that he felt remarkably calm during the race. “We were confident enough as on form he only really had to beat Giavellotto,” he recalled. The victory became official for him only when he spotted the track cameraman during the cooldown. He believes this milestone has helped establish his reputation further, providing him with professional security upon his eventual return to the UK.
Life in the UAE offers Mitchell a different rhythm compared to the relentless seven-day riding schedule in Britain. He joked that the appeal of riding three or four times a week in a warmer climate is significantly higher than enduring freezing temperatures at venues like Newcastle. The move also provides him more time to pursue personal interests, including padel, golf, and potentially enrolling in a local flight school in Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah.
A unique distinction held by the jockey is his status as the only pilot-licensed rider in the UK. This background in aviation complements his professional temperament, as he remains composed under pressure. Upon his arrival, he will work under the guidance of prominent agent Carl Hodgson.
As he transitions into the Dubai racing scene, Mitchell is prepared for the technical demands of the local tracks. With a minimum riding weight of 55kg, he brings extensive expertise across both Arabian and Thoroughbred racing. Regarding the challenge of racing on dirt surfaces, he describes it as a new hurdle that adds a valuable dimension to a jockey’s skill set, a challenge he appears ready to embrace with his characteristic cool-headed approach.
