Mike de Kock returns to Dubai and the Argentine-bred Colorado del Monte will serve as his flagship contender

The iconic South African conditioner will reopen his stable at Meydan for the 2026/2027 season as part of an ambitious international project, with the gray colt, recently acquired by Vermaak Equine, set to anchor the roster

By Diego H. Mitagstein

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).— The name Mike de Kock will once again take center stage at the Dubai Racing Carnival. Following a multi-year hiatus, the legendary South African conditioner confirmed that he will reopen his Meydan stable for the 2026/2027 season, with Argentine-bred Colorado del Monte set to serve as his primary flagship runner following his acquisition by Vermaak Equine for Hollywood Racing.

The transaction forms part of the launch of Global Stable, an ambitious international venture established around De Kock Racing, bloodstock agent Justin Vermaak, Hollywood Racing, and the Wernars family. The initial objective will focus on establishing a permanent, sustainable footprint in Dubai, with future plans pointing toward expansion across the Middle East and eventually into North America.

There could hardly be a more compelling introductory banner than Colorado del Monte. The son of Strategos and Seductive Voice, by Sebi Halo, was bred by Haras El Paraíso and campaigned locally for Stud Facundito under the care of trainer Nicolás Martín Ferro and jockey Gustavo Calvente.

The gray colt constructed an flawless record on the track, though official charts credit him with two Group 1 victories across four starts. At age two, he captured the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1), and in July reaffirmed his generational dominance by landing the Gran Premio Dos Mil Guineas (G1-1600 m, turf) at San Isidro, stopping the clock in 1m35s27/100.

The lone asterisk on his record stems from the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1) over 1500 meters on the Palermo dirt. Crossing the line first, local stewards ultimately placed him third, promoting Emotion Rate (Emotion Orpen) to victory. Without that administrative setback, his record would stand at three top-flight victories from four undefeated outings.

His proven versatility on both dirt and turf stood out as a key factor for his new ownership group. "We had been looking for a top-tier dirt horse for quite some time," De Kock explained, immediately placing the Argentine star at the center of his Dubai relaunch.

The conditioner possesses vast experience developing South American talent. Historically, he secured international triumphs with regional representatives such as Argentine-breds Asiatic Boy (Not for Sale) and Honour Devil (Honour and Glory), as well as Brazilian-bred Lundy’s Liability (Candy Stripes)—all top-level winners under his care who captured editions of the UAE Derby (G2).

"We have campaigned extraordinary runners arriving from South America that won major races for us. Our newest acquisition is a versatile colt, which makes this return of our stable to Dubai all the more exciting," he noted.

Colorado del Monte will encounter multiple pathways through the Meydan condition book. His dirt pedigree and proven record make him a prime candidate for high-level main track events, though a campaign in the Jumeirah Serieson turf remains a viable option. His trajectory will be determined by his acclimation once settled, with a potential North American campaign remaining a long-term goal.

The return to Dubai restores one of the most decorated partnerships in the carnival's history. Between 2003 and 2020, De Kock transformed his stable there into a powerhouse, utilizing the venue as a springboard to compete at top international meetings.

With over 3,800 career victories and roughly 140 Group or Grade 1 titles, De Kock remains one of the most decorated trainers produced by South Africa. Since February 2025, he has operated in partnership with his son Mathew, who returned to South Africa following a training stint in Australia, with both set to lead this new venture.

Easing health and export protocols for South African horses proved decisive in greenlighting the initiative. As De Kockdetailed, runners destined for Dubai can now travel via France or other European Union hubs, significantly shortening transit times and quarantine requirements. The framework also restores access to Abington Place, Mary Slack's training base in Newmarket.

Global Stable will also aim to serve as a facilitator for owners seeking to campaign elite South African horses in major international events, mirroring the blueprint once used for champions such as Variety Club (Var), Lizard’s Desire(Lizard Island), and Sun Classique (Fuji Kiseki).

Meanwhile, Hollywood Racing has been actively purchasing yearlings and prospects across Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina to stock its South African roster and build a pipeline toward Dubai. A talent-scouting trip to Argentina last March yielded multiple purchases currently turning two. The plan calls for these runners to kick off their careers locally before the standout performers are exported to the Middle East.

Colorado del Monte will be the first to forge that trail. While he faces the immediate tasks of travel, adjustment, and proving his class in a new environment, he arrives at Meydan backed by a short, exceptional career. Mike de Kockreturns to Dubai, where he authored many of his career milestones, anchoring his new ambition to a top-tier Argentine star.