Pinheiro returns to Dubai with big ambitions ahead of new racing season

According to Instagram numbers, Bernardo Pinheiro is Dubai’s most popular jockey.

The Brazilian has 780,000 followers on the social media network and plenty of support in real life, if the cheers when he rides a winner at Meydan are anything to go by.

Pinheiro is the first of Dubai’s established jockey room members to return to the UAE this season, arriving at the end of September to rejoin Salem Bin Ghadayer’s Fazza Stables, where he has been based for the past two seasons.

His return comes after a successful summer in Malaysia, where he fired in winners at an astounding strike rate of 20.4 per cent.

“I had a wonderful summer this year,” says the 30-year-old. “When the last (UAE) season was over, I went back to Brazil for two weeks. I had a great time with family, friends, enjoying places that I was missing as it had been two years since my last visit. 

“Then I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and I couldn’t be happier with my results. In around four months riding I rode 38 winners including Listed races and another Group 1. I’m leaving the country leading the championship with an amazing win and place strike rate. I’m thankful to the Selangor Turf Club and the trainers and owners for their trust and support.”

Now, his focus has switched to the UAE where he’s excited about the forthcoming Dubai Racing Carnival, which begins on November 6.

“It’s hard to describe in a few words the magnitude of riding at Meydan – especially if you ride a winner or at the feature meetings,” he says. “The best feeling is if you ride a winner in a feature race.

“It’s a world class racecourse which brings a feeling and an atmosphere that no other can. From the moment you arrive you step into a seven-star jockey room, then step onto the track and feel the grandeur of this place. It’s magnificent, beautiful and unique.”

Pinheiro says he now calls the UAE home and enjoys life outside racing here.

“Dubai is an amazing city with everything for everyone,” he says. “It’s wonderful to live in a place like this that is safe, tolerant, clean and always makes everything easier in our lives. A place that welcomes all as it did with me!”

Pinheiro, who will also ride for trainers Hamad Al Marar and Qaiss Aboud when not required by Ghadayer, enjoyed a successful UAE season in 2025-26, riding 44 winners and finishing third in the Jockeys’ Championship. It included Classic success on Labwah in the G3 UAE Oaks and she is one of those he is looking forward to for this campaign.

“The main reason I’m back early is to discuss and plan with Salem, plus I believe from past experiences that some early moves can make a huge difference,” he explains.

“It’s always hard to pick just a few horses to look forward to from Fazza Stable but definitely I can’t wait to be on the ones that gave us the main wins last season, including Labwah, Masmak, Desperate Hero and Folk Festival.”

The UAE Jockeys’ Championship has thus far eluded Pinheiro, but he maintains it isn’t his primary objective.

“Definitely a championship here is a goal but I wouldn’t say it’s the main aim as I always dream bigger,” he says. “I work for it but don’t worry about it as it will come at the right time if it’s meant to be.”