William Pereyra Heads to Dubai for 2025/2026 Season

Following in the footsteps of fellow countryman Francisco Leandro, the Argentine jockey will take his talents to the United Arab Emirates. The rider is expected to travel in mid-October after securing a contract with Oasis Stable, an opportunity regarded as a major step forward in his career

William Pereyra Bound for Dubai / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Sebastián Heredia and Diego Mitagstein

Argentine racing continues to send its talent onto major international stages. In the coming weeks, jockey William Pereyra will travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to continue his career there during the 2025/2026 season, joining the growing group of South American riders who are finding opportunities on one of the most competitive and prestigious circuits in the world.

Pereyra, known in Argentina for his consistency and professionalism, will now have the chance to showcase his ability in a meeting that annually brings together top-class horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe. His arrival comes at the perfect moment, with the Meydan season about to begin and a calendar that builds toward the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the series of races that draws worldwide attention and culminates with the Dubai World Cup (G1) program in late March.

The Argentine rider will thus follow in the footsteps of Francisco Leandro, champion jockey in Argentina, who will also be present in the Emirates over the coming months and has established himself as one of the leading figures in the region. The presence of both riders reinforces the South American footprint at a racecourse where competition is fierce, but the opportunities to shine are real for those ready to seize them.

“The opportunity came through Ricardo González, an Argentine agent who works in the United States but has contacts in Dubai,” Pereyra explained. “He called me, asked if I would be interested in going there to ride, and we started talking. Thankfully, we reached an agreement with the owners who were interested, and I’ll be leaving, most likely, in mid-October.”

“I’m very excited about this opportunity—it’s what one always dreams of. It will be a unique and beautiful experience, and I hope it keeps opening doors for me. I spoke with Francisco, and he’s just as happy and hopeful as I am,” added the rider.

The decision to test himself in the Emirates is also tied to professional growth and the chance to establish himself on an international stage. The Dubai season will not only allow him to ride horses from various backgrounds but also showcase his talent in front of globally recognized trainers and owners.

Pereyra has been contracted to ride for trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri, one of Dubai’s most successful conditioners, and will represent Oasis Stable, with mounts that include those for Local Creator Racing, Ormonde, and horses owned by Abubaker Kadoura.

He will not be the first Argentine jockey to relocate there, with Jesús Rosales (still active in the Emirates), Carlos Sandoval, and Carlos Sánchez having preceded him.

The rider was also keen to highlight the positive response from Rubio B. and Las Canarias, the Argentine stables with which he currently has contracts. “I spoke with Ricardo Benedicto and Angel Casamayor, and both were very happy for me to have this chance. We left the contract on standby, unchanged, and if I return to the country, we’ll gladly resume it.”

Once again, Argentine racing exports its riding talent. William Pereyra will now pursue the dream of succeeding abroad, in a country where many Latin Americans have already made their mark, from Fernando Jara to Silvestre de Sousa, Bernardo Pinheiro, and Tiago Pereira.

Expectations are that Pereyra can establish himself at Meydan, with the possibility of extending his participation in future seasons and perhaps even reaching Dubai World Cup Night, one of the sport’s most coveted stages. With his talent and experience, Pereyra is set to write a new chapter in Argentina’s racing story in Dubai.

Asked jokingly about his English before leaving, Pereyra laughed: “Spanish is hard enough for me—imagine English!” His joy, however, is unmistakable and is shared by the entire Argentine racing community, eager and hopeful to see him succeed on the international stage.