Summer Break? Not for This Rising Star in UAE Racing

While the UAE racing season may pause for the summer, behind the scenes, the real work continues — especially if you’re both an owner and a trainer. Just ask Marwan Al Baidhaei, one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.

His navy blue silks were a familiar sight in the winner’s enclosure last season, racking up four wins from just 20 runners— an impressive 20% strike rate. But Marwan isn’t one to rest on his laurels.

As soon as his last horse crossed the finish line, he was already strengthening his team for the 2025–26 season — kicking things off with a $120,000 purchase at the Ocala Spring Sale in Florida. His latest acquisition? A Rock Your World colt he believes has the stamina to tackle the Derby distance (1900m). If that pedigree sounds familiar, it’s because the same sale produced two of his previous winners: Major Cinnamon and Mashkoor.

“I was especially proud to see top UAE trainers out there — it raises the bar for me as a new trainer and is great for the future of UAE racing.”

Next stop: the OBS June Sale, where Marwan previously bought Moon Blade, who went on to shine during the Dubai Racing Carnival. This time, he’s setting his sights on expanding his stable significantly. “I’ll be back in Ocala in June — the goal is to pick up six more horses and start the season with 10 in total.”

Marwan’s methodical, horse-first approach has earned him a loyal following. His young stock always spend a few weeks turned out at the farm post-sale — a deliberate step that reflects his belief in developing horses the right way. “They get time off to relax before going into quarantine and making the trip to Dubai,” he explains.

With a patient hand and a sharp eye for talent, Marwan Al Baidhaei is proving that success in racing isn’t just about speed — it’s about strategy, resilience, and relentless ambition.

One thing’s for sure: when the new season begins, this is a name you’ll want to keep your eye on.