Ed Crisford is set to branch out on his own, bringing an end to one of Britain’s most consistent and quietly influential training partnerships, as he prepares to take charge of Jebel Ali Stables in Dubai.

The move will see Crisford replace Michael Costa as private trainer to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the transition expected later this year. It also signals the close of his successful collaboration with his father, Simon, a partnership that has delivered results across multiple continents since its formation in 2020.

Based at Gainsborough Stables in Newmarket, the Crisfords were among the first to take advantage of the British Horseracing Authority’s decision to allow joint training licences. What followed was a sustained run of success — more than 400 winners in Britain and an impressive haul of 83 stakes victories, including elite-level triumphs in Europe and the United States.

Among their standout moments was Vandeek’s win in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes in 2023, while Choisya added an American top-level success in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland. Their ability to compete — and win — on the global stage became a defining feature of the operation.

That international strength was again evident during the most recent Dubai campaign, which now appears to have paved the way for Crisford’s new opportunity. Fairy Glen provided a major highlight with victory in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup on World Cup night, while Meydaan underlined the yard’s depth by finishing third in the Dubai World Cup after capturing the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic earlier in the season.

Importantly, several of those horses already carry the silks of Sheikh Ahmed, including Meydaan and the high-class performer Quddwah, ensuring a degree of continuity as Crisford steps into his new role.

According to a statement released by the stable, Crisford will relocate to Dubai in August to begin training independently. Meanwhile, Simon Crisford will remain in Newmarket, continuing operations at Gainsborough while also maintaining a presence in Dubai during the World Cup Carnival through a satellite yard.

It’s a shift that feels less like a split and more like a natural evolution. Ed Crisford has steadily built his reputation within the partnership, and this appointment offers him a platform to establish his own identity on one of racing’s most competitive international stages.

Image Highclere Thoroughbreds