Jockey Christophe Soumillon may be the reigning champion of the Dubai World Cup, but the upcoming 2021 race will feature a different rider determined to make his own mark: 49-year-old jockey, Adrie de Vries.
Despite his age, de Vries is no stranger to the world of horse racing. He began his career in the Netherlands in the early 1990s and has since competed in races all around the world, including in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Over the years, he has ridden for some of the most prestigious owners and trainers in the sport, including Godolphin, Sheikh Hamdan, and Juddmonte Farms.
Now, de Vries is setting his sights on the Dubai World Cup, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Despite the challenges of competing against younger jockeys, de Vries believes that his experience and mindset give him an advantage.
“I’m getting older, but I don’t feel older,” de Vries told Gulf News. “I think I have an ageless mindset. I still have a lot of passion and drive to win, and I believe that counts for a lot.”
De Vries’ determination and skill have already earned him several impressive victories in the UAE racing scene. In 2016, he won the UAE 2000 Guineas aboard the horse Vale Dori, and in 2018, he took home the Dubai Gold Cup trophy riding the horse Vazirabad.
But for de Vries, the Dubai World Cup is the ultimate goal. He came close to victory in 2015, finishing second aboard the horse Mshawish, and he is now more determined than ever to cross the finish line first.
“I’ve had some close calls, but I haven’t won the World Cup yet,” de Vries said. “It’s a race that every jockey dreams of winning, and I’m no exception. I’m going to give it my all, and we’ll see what happens.”
The Dubai World Cup will take place on March 27, 2021, at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. De Vries will be competing against a field of talented jockeys and horses, but his ageless mindset and pursuit of his dream just might give him the edge he needs to come out on top.
Despite being one of the oldest jockeys in the game, de Vries has managed to maintain his competitive edge by staying physically fit and mentally sharp. He follows a strict fitness routine that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of rest.
But de Vries’ success also comes down to his deep understanding of horses and his ability to connect with them on a personal level. He has a unique talent for reading a horse’s body language and anticipating its movements, which allows him to guide it to victory.
“I’ve always had a special bond with horses,” de Vries said. “I think it’s important to listen to them and understand their needs. If you can do that, then you can create a partnership that can take you to the top.”
De Vries’ skill and experience have not gone unnoticed in the racing world. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious Longines World’s Best Jockey award, which recognizes jockeys who have achieved exceptional success in international races over the course of a year.
Despite his impressive achievements, de Vries remains humble and focused on his goals. He knows that the Dubai World Cup will be a challenging race, but he is confident in his ability to compete at the highest level and bring home the trophy.
“I never take anything for granted,” de Vries said. “Every race is a new challenge, and I approach each one with the same mindset: to give it my all and do my best. That’s all I can do, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
As the Dubai World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on de Vries as he seeks to prove that age is just a number and that with hard work, determination, and an ageless mindset, anything is possible.
