Adrie De Vries has been riding in the UAE since the early 1990s.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

Voting has opened for the sixth edition of the People’s Choice Award at the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Horseracing Excellence Awards.

Taking place at Meydan Racecourse during Super Saturday, March 2, 2024, the awards recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to racing, both in the UAE and internationally.

In 2023 the People’s Choice Award — decided entirely by Public Vote – was given to Shadwell’s outstanding multiple Group 1 winner Baaeed. Previous winners are a mixture of equine and human stars, including Hollie Doyle, Winx and Lady Eli.

There are four nominees for the 2024 People’s Choice Award including Jockey Yutaka Take, Adrie De Vries, Hamdan Sultan Al Sabusi and Freddy Tylicki.

Jockey Take is a legend in his native Japan where he has been at the top of his sport for nearly 40 years. To date, he has won more than 5000 races, including four Japan Cups and four Arima Kinens. He has also experienced success in Dubai, winning the 2001 Dubai Sheema Classic on Stay Gold and the 2007 Dubai Duty Free on Admire Moon.

De Vries has been riding in the UAE since the early 1990s. Now 54 years old, the Dutchman, who has ridden in the UAE since the early 1990s, continues at the top of his game and partnered Salute The Soldier to success in the G1 Maktoum Challenge in March.

Sabusi is one of the youngest registered owners in the UAE and has enjoyed great success through his horse Algiers, a gallant second in the 2023 Dubai World Cup. A regular figure on racecourses, His enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport make him an inspiration to other young racegoers.

Tylicki is a former British Champion Apprentice jockey whose career in the saddle saw him ride winners in the UAE, as well as winning two Group 1s in France. Tylicki’s career in the saddle was cut short due to injury in 2016 and he is now a successful bloodstock agent, jockeys’ agent and media personality.