Bernardo Pinheiro has returned to Dubai with his sights set far beyond the jockey standings

The Brazilian jockey returned to the United Arab Emirates following a successful stint in Malaysia, where he won 38 races in roughly four months while boasting a 20.4 percent strike rate. Finishing third in the local jockeys' standings last season, he will once again serve as one of the main riders for trainer Salem bin Ghadayer

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).— Bernardo Pinheiro was the first of Dubai's regular jockeys to return. That was no coincidence. Following a stellar summer in Malaysia, the Brazilian rider arrived in late September to reunite with Salem bin Ghadayer and get an early start on preparing for a season in which he hopes to continue growing in a place he already considers home.

At 30 years old, Pinheiro will embark on his third consecutive campaign as one of the main contract riders for Fazza Stables, while also taking mounts for Hamad Al Marar and Qaiss Aboud when his commitments with Bin Ghadayerallow. His return comes on the heels of several exceptionally productive months.

Once the last Emirates season concluded, he traveled to Brazil, spending two weeks with family and friends after two years away from his home country.

From there, he set off for Kuala Lumpur. “I had a wonderful summer,” Pinheiro related. “In about four months in Malaysia, I secured 38 victories, including listed stakes and another G1. I left the country leading the jockey championship with incredible win and place percentages.”

His strike rate stood at a remarkable 20.4 percent, an outstanding figure that allowed him to say goodbye to Malaysia on a high note. “I am very grateful to the Selangor Turf Club, the trainers, and the owners for their trust and support,” he added.

Now, all his focus is firmly back on the Emirates, with the Dubai Racing Carnival set to kick off on November 6.

Meydan, a Special Place

Pinheiro has cultivated a unique relationship with the Dubai crowd. The cheers he routinely receives when winning at Meydan find a singular mirror off the track: he boasts roughly 780,000 followers on Instagram, a figure that makes him—according to social media numbers—the most popular jockey in Dubai.

Yet it is what happens inside Meydan that keeps him driven.

“It is difficult to describe in a few words the magnitude of riding there, especially when you win or participate in the major meetings,” he explained.

To Pinheiro, everything surrounding the racetrack conveys a distinct atmosphere.

“It is a world-class facility, with an ambience no other track can match. From the moment you arrive and step into a seven-star jockeys' room, to when you head out onto the track and feel the sheer scale of the venue. It is magnificent, beautiful, and one of a kind.”

His bond with the Emirates extends beyond his profession as well. “Dubai is an incredible city, with something for everyone. It is wonderful to live in a place that is safe, tolerant, clean, and where everything is made easy. It welcomes everyone, just as it did with me.”

The Horses He Will Ride Again

Pinheiro finished third in the Emirates jockeys' standings during 2025-26 with 44 victories, featuring several signature moments.

One of those highlights came aboard Labwah (Charlatan), winner of the UAE Oaks (G3), one of the fillies generating the highest expectation for the upcoming campaign.

He also singled out Masmak (Vino Rosso), Desperate Hero (Captain Gerrard), and Folk Festival (Blue Point) among the Fazza Stables runners he looks forward to reuniting with.

“It is always tough to pick just a few horses from a stable like this, but I am definitely eager to get back aboard those who gave us our main victories last season.”

Indeed, being able to sit down with Bin Ghadayer and map out strategy early was one of the key drivers behind returning before many of his colleagues.

“The main reason for coming back early is to talk and plan with Salem. Moreover, based on past experience, I believe taking early action can make a huge difference.”

Naturally, one milestone remains unfulfilled. Pinheiro has yet to claim the Emirates jockeys' championship, though he avoids letting that pursuit become an obsession.

“Winning a title here is definitely a goal, but I wouldn't say it's the main one because I always dream bigger. I work hard to achieve it, but I don't stress over it. It will come at the right time if it's meant to be.”

After racking up 38 wins in just four months in Malaysia, Pinheiro returned early to Dubai, where he is coming off his best season to date with 44 wins and a third-place finish in the standings. While the title remains pending, the Brazilian rider prefers to look further ahead: he returns to Meydan with top-quality horses awaiting him and the conviction that he can raise the ceiling of his international career even higher.