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Australian trainer Michael Costa has been appointed as His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's trainer at Jebel Ali Stables in Dubai. The contract was signed in the emirate on Friday. Costa, who runs Michael Costa Racing, will continue to operate his stable in Australia for the majority of the 2021/2022 season and, after all of his horses and staff have been placed with new trainers and positions, will move to Dubai and take up his new role. The horseman will oversee sourcing a large band of racing talent every year. The best-known horse to race in Sheikh Ahmed's colours is the globetrotting multiple Group 1 winner Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), who has earned Group 1 wins in both hemispheres.

Costa released a statement via Michael Costa Racing's YouTube channel which read in part: “I went over with an objective mindset, but I was absolutely blown away by the facility, the horses and the people. The opportunity that was presented was far bigger than I could have ever anticipated. The facility itself is world class and I can't image there being a better facility and training establishment in the world.

“What the job entails is to take up the training operation and purchasing a large bloodstock band every year, as well as travelling the Carnival horses all around the world to compete at the highest level. After viewing the operation and meeting the lovely team at Jebel Ali, I had some hard conversations with my wife and family on what has been the hardest decision of my life. I've decided to take up the position of the head role for Jebel Ali and for His Highness Sheikh Ahmed.

“I'm extremely grateful for all of our owner support, growing a stable with one of the best strike rates in the country. This could only be done with the support of all of our owners. I'd also like to thank all of my staff who've shared this journey with me.”

The post Costa Appointed New Trainer at Jebel Ali Stables in Dubai appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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In a unique bit of seller transparency, a former six-figure colt has been sold in Australia's Inglis January Online Sale after the previous owner found his “abnormally large testicles” may have restricted his on-track performance.

Morethannumberone, a 5-year-old Australian-born son of More Than Ready, sold Wednesday for AUS$31,000 (US$23,986), after bringing AUS$375,000 (US$290,003) as a yearling.

In the time between sales, Morethannumberone won one of 14 starts, and made AUS $46,530 (US$35,982). He previously raced for Hong Kong-based owner Barry Lee, and he was trained by Gary and John Moore.

The colt's listing on the Inglis website read as follows:

“Morethannumberone has been a model of consistency this preparation with plenty more to give to his new connections.

“His current owner has elected to go to auction with Morethannumberone as he has not qualified for Hong Kong importation. Having been reluctant to geld Morethannumberone, it is believed that his new connections may reap the rewards from the removal of his abnormally large testicles, that have been deemed to cause restriction.

“Morethannumberone is straight forward to train, clean limbed, and rarely will leave feed. Has performed and trained well, and without any hinderance, with the utilization of a Tongue Tie and Cross-Noseband.”

In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, assistant trainer James Moore said the frank assessment of the colt's unique hindrance was part of the stable's “branding” efforts to present its commitment to transparency. Moore was hopeful that new owner Michael Costa Racing might return the horse to their barn.

“He is a lovely horse and if he gets gelded, we think there is a lot of improvement left in him,” he said. “We just wanted people to know that and whether he's with us or someone else I'm sure the next owner will have a lot of fun.”

The post Two For The Road: ‘Abnormally Large Testicles’ Lead To Sale Of Australian Racehorse appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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