The UAE flat racing season kicked off with a flurry of excitement as trainer Michael Costa and jockey Silvestre de Sousa delivered a series of impressive performances at Jebel Ali Racecourse and Abu Dhabi Turf Club. The dynamic duo set an early competitive tone, signaling their intent to dominate the season. Costa, an Australian trainer based at Jebel Ali, started the season in spectacular fashion with a hat-trick of victories on Saturday. His trio of winners—Malhouf, Attwaal, and Elraaed—showcased the depth of his stable and the synergy with De Sousa, the reigning UAE champion jockey. The highlight of the day was Elraaed’s commanding win in the Season Opening Cup, capping off a memorable treble for Costa. Earlier, Malhouf secured victory in the Al Shafar Investment Stakes, while Attwaal triumphed in the Opening Day Sprint Stakes. De Sousa, a seasoned Brazilian jockey and 2014 Dubai World Cup winner, added five victories to his tally over the weekend, including four for Costa. The jockey praised the preparation of Costa’s team, emphasizing the fitness and readiness of the horses. Costa’s strong start has positioned him as a serious contender for the championship, with his consistency likely to be a key factor in the long UAE winter season. The weekend’s results suggest that Jebel Ali’s yellow silks could be the ones to watch as the season progresses.