Ed Crisford is set to relocate to Dubai after accepting an offer to become Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s retained trainer.
Simon & Ed Crisford To Go Separate Ways
Ed joined father Simon on a joint-licence in 2020 and since the pair became a respected duo in Newmarket.
The yard head into the new flat season on the back of their best ever winter in Dubai where they had 17 winners earning around £4.25million in the process.
Highlights in the Middle East recently included placed horses in both the Dubai Turf and Dubai World Cup itself.
One of the stable’s biggest wins came in the Dubai Gold Cup when Fairy Glen won at 25/1 under Mikael Barzalona – their first ever winner on World Cup night.
WATCH: Fairy Glen Wins Dubai Gold Cup
𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘 𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐍 works her magic in the Dubai Gold Cup 🪄#DWC26 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MTAS0Km2EB
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 28, 2026
But now, instead of the father/son combo, it will just be Simon Crisford training out of Gainsborough Stables from August onwards.
The yard released a statement on Ed’s departure.
“Ed Crisford is set to become a licence holder in his own right in Dubai later this year after accepting a position as private trainer to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
“Simon & Ed Crisford formed the first licensed training partnership in Britain in May 2020 and have enjoyed significant success with 83 stakes winners including Group 1 winners in Britain, France and the United States.
“Ed Crisford will leave Newmarket in August to begin his new role in the UAE. Simon Crisford will continue training at Gainsborough Thoroughbreds while also operating a satellite yard during the Dubai World Cup Carnival.”
Ed Crisford To Replace Michael Costa At Jebel Ali Stables
Michael Costa has been running the Jebel Ali Stables for the Sheikh for the last four years. However, Costa will now be relocating back to Australia, opening the door for Crisford.
Exciting horses Costa trains include former William Haggas inmate Elnajmm who won multiple Group races at Meydan over the winter, including the Al Fahidi Fort.
WATCH: Elnajmm Wins Al Fahidi Fort At Meydan
𝐄𝐋𝐍𝐀𝐉𝐌𝐌 towers in the @Longines-sponsored Al Fahidi Fort 🟡⚫️🟡
Another big winner for @mcosta_racing and @AndrewSlattery7 …#DubaiCarnival | #FashionFriday pic.twitter.com/20t5f34Ev4
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) January 23, 2026
