From jockey to stable owner: Meet the woman behind Zabeel Stables in Dubai – News

In the exciting world of horse racing, where adrenaline meets elegance, Caroline Joyce Seemar stands out not only as the wife of UAE champion trainer and 2024 Dubai World Cup winner Bhupat Seemar, but also as a formidable presence in an industry largely dominated by men.

Caroline’s life is a testament to her passion for racehorses; This passion is a quality she brings to every role she undertakes, from being a wife and mother to being an exercise rider at Dubai’s famous Zabeel Stables.

Balancing the demands of family life with the challenges of working with high-quality racehorses in Dubai’s competitive equestrian scene, she embodies grace under pressure.

lifelong habit

The roots of his passion for horses go back to Tipperary, Ireland; Here, his family has a deep-rooted structure in breeding and training racehorses.

“My parents were breeders, jockeys and trainers. My mother, Louise, was a successful jockey, so naturally I was interested in horses from a young age,” recalls Caroline. “When you grow up in a house like ours, you have nowhere to go but what everyone else does and loves to do. Since I have been around horses since a young age, I always knew I wanted to be a jockey.

“In my teenage years I was an apprentice jockey to Joh Oxx (the legendary Irish handler). In the off-season, I would go to America to gain experience. I met Bhupat in my second year there in 2000 and that’s when everything changed forever. “We’ve been together ever since,” he says.

Now, in one of her many roles as an exercise rider, Caroline enjoys working directly with horses; it’s a hands-on role that allows her to stay in touch with her passion for riding.

Balancing multiple roles is no easy task, but Caroline seems to handle it with ease. “This is achieved through extreme organization and good timekeeping,” he says. “We do it all with early starts and a focus on health.”

Working closely with Bhupat is a unique experience, and their shared devotion to horses has strengthened not only their careers but also their bond as a couple.

“We breathe, we sleep, and we think about horse racing, which in a way allows us to do what we do,” he says, explaining that this shared purpose keeps them close and focused on their goals. “If I had another job, we would be living separate lives. But thank God I don’t. This is what I love and what I live for.”

At Zabeel Stables, Caroline plays an important role. He combines his deep understanding of a horse’s unique temperament and needs with a finely tuned sense of understanding and care to ensure they reach their full potential.

best care

Caroline’s keen eye for detail and hands-on approach often helps detect even the most subtle changes in a horse’s behavior, condition or mood. This information allows the team to tailor training regimes and meet each horse’s specific needs to ensure they are in top condition when they arrive at the racetrack.

A name synonymous with excellence, Zabeel Stables is built on a foundation of teamwork, trust and unremitting dedication and Caroline is a crucial player within this framework of excellence. His close coordination with Bhupat helped create an environment where both horses and staff could thrive. Caroline embodies the spirit of Zabeel Stables, where her role is both a labor of love and a quest for success.

“It’s about teamwork,” he emphasizes. “Bhupat will be the first to tell you that everything is done as a team and each member plays their part. Without them we wouldn’t have achieved what we have. And we are extremely grateful.”

Caroline’s admiration for him is clear when asked about her husband’s qualities and what contributed to him becoming a UAE Champion coach and Dubai World Cup winner.

“He is someone who never gives up,” he says. “He will keep trying until he gets the right result. His love and dedication to the game inspires everyone around him. “This determination drives us to push even harder and dream big for the future of Zabeel Stables.”

Their dreams came true when they won one of the world’s most coveted races on only their third attempt.