This image was captured on the final day of Royal Ascot ๐๐ฌ๐ง — moments after Lazzat ๐ซ๐ท triumphed in the prestigious Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Spooked by the winner’s blanket, he shied away and unseated jockey James Doyle during the celebrations — a split second where glory and gravity collide.
The finalists represent the top images in each category worldwide, and it’s a real privilege to see this moment recognised among them.
Winners will be announced on 15 January 2026.
Thank you @worldsportsphotographyawards for the recognition. ๐
New Zealand ๐ณ๐ฟ swept both the men’s and women’s finals against Australia ๐ฆ๐บ๐๐, while Fiji ๐ซ๐ฏ and Japan ๐ฏ๐ต completed the podiums with standout performances.
Enjoy a few highlights from one of the most exciting weekends on the SVNS calendar. Shot for Getty Images.
See more on HSBC SVNS Dubai 2025 ๐๐
Shady Ghrayeb ๐ธ๐พ on Cabernet De Mars flew around a tight course beneath the ancient Fujairah Fort to win the CSI3* Grand Prix over 150cm ๐ฅ. Abdurakhmon Abdullaev ๐บ๐ฟ on Caballone took ๐ฅ ahead of ๐ฅ Ali Aziznia ๐ฎ๐ท on Aonia Domain.
With origins dating back to around 1500, the former military stronghold is the oldest in the northern emirate of Fujairah. Constructed from mud bricks, gravel, stones and palm trunks, the fortress was heavily damaged by a British naval bombardment in 1925. A major restoration project before the start of the new millennium rebuilt collapsed sections using traditional materials and techniques.
A perfect spot for watching the sun set behind the towering Hajar mountains. ๐
Sexy Lord ๐จ๐ฟ — last year’s Velká Pardubická co-champion — will face his old rival Chelmsford ๐ซ๐ท this Sunday, eager for revenge after a narrow defeat in the third qualifier back in August.
Last year, the nine-year-old gelding by Egerton ๐ฉ๐ช, trained by Martina Rลฏลพiฤková, shared victory in the toughest test of Czech racing with Godfrey ๐ซ๐ท in a historic dead heat.
Now, with that rival sidelined by injury, Chelmsford ๐ซ๐ท, trained by legendary Pardubická jockey and trainer Josef Váลa, returns after missing last year’s edition through injury himself.
The nine-year-old, sired by top-class miler Sunday Break ๐ฏ๐ต (ใตใณใใผใใฌใคใฏ), will challenge Sexy Lord ๐จ๐ฟ and 13 other runners in the 135th running of the gruelling 6,900 m (34.5 furlongs) steeplechase — a course of 31 obstacles and ploughed ground that has earned its fearsome nickname: The Devil’s Race.
Wishing a safe run to all horses & jockeys! ๐
Just a single penalty point separated the top four nations. Germany ๐ฉ๐ช looked set for victory until the final rider, when Sandra Auffarth & Quirici H lowered a rail, dropping them to fourth.
Britain ๐ฌ๐ง seized the moment, finishing on 15 penalties to edge ๐ฅ Italy ๐ฎ๐น on 16 and ๐ฅ Belgium ๐ง๐ช on 17.
The result lifts Britain ๐ฌ๐ง to second place in the overall standings, behind France ๐ซ๐ท, setting up a dramatic showdown at the Final in Barcelona.
Pleased to have captured this thrilling contest for the FEI.
See images here →https://www.martinsimages.com/p26258196
Full story here → https://leagueofnations.fei.org/news/brilliant-brits-secure-first-lln-win
© FEI / Martin Dokoupil
The mighty mare has scored five-star wins in Falsterbo ๐ธ๐ช and Rotterdam ๐ณ๐ฑ this summer and also boasts a team ๐ฅ from the Paris Olympics ๐ซ๐ท.
It looked as though Stephan De Freitas Barcha ๐ง๐ท on Dinozo Imperio Egipcio might hold the lead with 41.59 sec, after edging past Laura Kraut ๐บ๐ธ on Bisquetta (41.76 sec), but he had to settle for ๐ฅ when the final pair delivered a flawless round. ๐
The 12-year-old gelding, by top stayer Assessor ๐ฎ๐ช (Prix Royal Oak, Prix du Cadran), and trained by Luboš Urbánek, finished third in last year’s Pardubická, won jointly by Sexy Lord ๐จ๐ฟ and Godfrey ๐ซ๐ท. A veteran of every edition since 2019, Dulcar De Sivola ๐ซ๐ท now has three career wins from 33 starts. Araucarias ๐ซ๐ท, with Josef Bartoš in the saddle, claimed second place. ๐
With the results in, France ๐ซ๐ท celebrated a golden team double ๐ — winning both Juniors and Young Riders after the final jumping test.
In Juniors, Ella Howard ๐ฌ๐ง & Marchwood clinched ๐ฅ ahead of Pia Sophie Schreiber ๐ฉ๐ช & Cliemann ๐ฅ, and Matis Cogniet ๐ซ๐ท & Vivendi Hero ๐ฅ. In the team standings, France ๐ซ๐ท took ๐ฅ, Belgium ๐ง๐ช ๐ฅ, and Spain ๐ช๐ธ ๐ฅ.
In Young Riders, Hannah Busch ๐ฉ๐ช & Crystal-Annabell, who had led from the start, had just one down in jumping to secure ๐ฅ. Valentin Quittet Eslan ๐ซ๐ท & Casanova d’Ems stepped up for ๐ฅ, while Sophie Weening ๐ณ๐ฑ & Konan claimed ๐ฅ. In the team competition, France ๐ซ๐ท was ๐ฅ, Ireland ๐ฎ๐ช ๐ฅ, and Britain ๐ฌ๐ง ๐ฅ.
The 9-year-old, trained by legend Josef Váลa and sired by Sunday Break ๐ฏ๐ต (ใตใณใใผใใฌใคใฏ), hadn’t raced in a year due to injury, missing last year’s epic dead heat won by Sexy Lord ๐จ๐ฟ and Godfrey ๐ซ๐ท.
Chelmsford ๐ซ๐ท also won this qualifier in 2024 and now has eight career victories. His high-class sire placed third in the 2002 Belmont Stakes and Wood Memorial ๐บ๐ธ. ๐
Home-bred and trained by Hana Kabelková, the 14-year-old gelding by Egerton ๐ฉ๐ช made his final appearance in the so-called Devil’s Race in 2024, finishing fifth — his sixth and last crack at Pardubice’s iconic challenge.
Overcoming arthritis through water training, Talent powered to glory in the toughest test in Czech cross-country racing. He won 9 of his 40 starts, including a shared victory in the Grande Steeplechase di Roma, earning $258,609 in a remarkable career. ๐ฅ๐๐๐
The nine-year-old son of Egerton ๐ฉ๐ช, trained by Martina Rลฏลพiฤková, flew around the course in style—popping a couple of jumps with ease before thundering down the home straight to finish off his exercise.
Last year, he shared the so-called Devil’s Race victory with Godfrey ๐ซ๐ท, ridden by Jan Faltejsek, in a historic dead heat after a nerve-racking finish.
Coincidentally, this cloudy morning Sexy Lord ๐จ๐ฟ shared the track with his half-brother Talent ๐จ๐ฟ, winner of the 2021 Pardubická and runner-up in 2022 and 2023. ๐ฅ ๐๐๐
Sexy Lord Pardubicka qualifier prepSEXY LORD, joint winner of the 2024 Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase, gallops with jockey JAROSLAV MYSKA in preparation for an upcoming qualifier at Pardubice Racecourse in Pardubice, the Czech Republic, July 17, 2025.
Sexy Lord Pardubicka qualifier prepSEXY LORD, joint winner of the 2024 Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase, tackles a jump with jockey JAROSLAV MYSKA in preparation for an upcoming qualifier at Pardubice Racecourse in Pardubice, the Czech Republic, July 17, 2025.
Sexy Lord Pardubicka qualifier prepSEXY LORD, joint winner of the 2024 Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase, gallops with jockey JAROSLAV MYSKA in preparation for an upcoming qualifier at Pardubice Racecourse in Pardubice, the Czech Republic, July 17, 2025.
Martin Fuchs ๐จ๐ญ delivered a masterclass in precision and speed aboard Leone Jei, conquering the rain-soaked arena to win the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen 2025 ๐. Three flawless rounds — including a lightning-fast jump-off in 50.29 sec — sealed the victory.
Hot on his heels, Laura Kraut ๐บ๐ธ and Baloutinue secured second place with a time of 52.41 sec, just ahead of fellow Swiss rider Steve Guerdat ๐จ๐ญ on Dynamix de Belheme, who finished in 52.59 sec. ๐
CHIO Aachen World Equestrian FestivalMARTIN FUCHS of Switzerland on LEONE JEI tackles a jump to win the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen during the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, July 6, 2025.
CHIO Aachen World Equestrian FestivalMARTIN FUCHS of Switzerland on LEONE JEI reacts after winning the CSIO5* Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen during the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, July 6, 2025.
Earlier, Isabell Werth ๐ฉ๐ช scored 79.761% on Wendy de Fontaine to win the Prize of Family Tesch Dressage Grand Prix. In driving, world No.1 Boyd Exell ๐ฆ๐บ and his team – Celviro, Checkmate, Hero & Mister Bono van 't Hooge – led the dressage with 31.73 penalties. US Team celebration photo by Adela Dokoupilova. ๐
CHIO Aachen World Equestrian FestivalKENT FARRINGTON of the United States on TOULAYNA tackles a jump on the way to the team win in the CSIO5* Mercedes-Benz Nations' Cup during the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, July 3, 2025.
CHIO Aachen World Equestrian FestivalLILLIE KEENAN (R) of the United States celebrates the team win in the CSIO5* Mercedes-Benz Nations' Cup during the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, July 3, 2025.
CHIO Aachen World Equestrian FestivalBOYD EXELL of Australia with CELVIRO, CHECKMATE, HERO and MISTER BONO VAN'T HOOGE warms up before the CAIO4* Dressage test for four-in-hand drivers during the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, July 3, 2025.
CHIO Aachen World Equestrian FestivalISABELL WERTH of Germany reacts on WENDY DE FONTAINE after competing in the Prize of Family Tesch Dressage Grand Prix during the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, July 3, 2025.
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In the feature race, Lazzat ๐ซ๐ท held off favourite Satono Reve ๐ฏ๐ต (ใตใใใฌใผใด) to win the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, before shying away and unseating celebrating jockey James Doyle, who had to walk into the winner’s enclosure alone. It was the eighth career victory from 11 starts for the four-year-old gelding trained by Jérôme Reynier.
Meanwhile, Rebel’s Romance ๐ฎ๐ช thundered home under William Buick to capture the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes—an 18th win for the seven-year-old gelding, sired by the exceptional Dubawi ๐ฎ๐ช and trained by Charlie Appleby.
Had an amazing week at Royal Ascot—really enjoyed all the creative possibilities and the friendly atmosphere this exceptional event offers. Many thanks to the Ascot media team, colleagues, and security for making it such a breeze! ๐
Royal AscotJockey JAMES DOYLE falls off LAZZAT after winning the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs (1,200m) during Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 21, 2025.
Royal AscotLAZZATโs jockey JAMES DOYLE reacts in the winnerโs enclosure after falling following his victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs (1,200m) during Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 21, 2025.
Outsider Cercene ๐ฎ๐ช captured the Coronation Stakes, defeating favourite Zarigana ๐ฌ๐ง by half a length — a first Group 1 triumph for trainer Joe Murphy and jockey Gary Carroll. ๐
Royal AscotCERCENE (L), ridden by jockey GARY CARROLL, battles with ZARIGANA, with MICKAEL BARZALONA aboard, to win the Group 1 Coronation Stakes Fillies over 1 mile (1,600m) during Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 20, 2025.
Royal AscotSpectators watch horses gallop to the finish line in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes Handicap over 5 furlongs (1,000m) during Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 20, 2025.
Trawlerman ๐ฎ๐ช dominated the Gold Cup ๐๐ฌ๐ง, delivering jockey William Buick his first win in the prestigious staying race. Meanwhile, Ryan Moore celebrated his 90th Royal Ascot victory with a treble on a hot, sunny day. ๐
Royal AscotTRAWLERMAN, ridden by jockey WILLIAM BUICK, wins the Group 1 Gold Cup in track record time over 2 miles 4 furlongs (4,000m) during Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 19, 2025.
Royal AscotThe royal carriage, with King CHARLES III and Queen CAMILLA, arrives for Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 19, 2025.
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Royal AscotOMBUDSMAN, ridden by jockey WILLIAM BUICK, wins the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes over 1 mile 2 furlongs (2,000 metres) during Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 18, 2025.
Royal AscotThe royal carriage carrying King CHARLES III, Queen CAMILLA, and Prince WILLIAM, the Prince of Wales, arrives at the parade ring during Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 18, 2025.
Royal AscotAMERICAN AFFAIR, ridden by jockey PAUL MULRENNAN, wins the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes over 5 furlongs (1,000 metres) on the opening day of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 17, 2025.
Royal AscotKing CHARLES III of Britain reacts in a carriage next to Queen CAMILLA during the royal procession on the opening day of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Britain, June 17, 2025.
Since the interview was originally published in Czech, I’ve translated the full version into English for my international readers — and anyone interested in the craft and challenges of equestrian photography. Scroll down to read the full story.
๐ฐ Read the original Czech version on Jezdci.cz ๐จ๐ฟ๐
Horses exercise during a sunrise track work at Keeneland's racecourse, April 27, 2019.
A Thoroughbred at full gallop is pure poetry in motion, says photographer Martin Dokoupil
By Josef Malinovský
Photographer Martin Dokoupil is, without exaggeration, among the global elite in his field. In this interview, he shares what drew him to horses, how he found his way into professional sports photography, and presents some of the images closest to his heart.
When passion meets talent, something truly unique can emerge. Martin has loved horses since early childhood and developed a fascination with photography under the guidance of his father and grandfather.
He began shooting sports professionally while working as a treasury reporter for Reuters. While he has extensive experience capturing a wide range of sports, his background in the saddle gives him a particular edge when it comes to equestrian disciplines—he knows instinctively what matters and where to focus.
How did you start photographing equestrian sports? Was it love for photography, horses—or both?
I’ve loved horses since I was a child. I used to save coins in an envelope labelled “For a Horse,” glued newspaper clippings about the Velká pardubická steeplechase into a notebook, and read Dick Francis’s The Sport of Queens probably twenty times. I even considered becoming a jockey. I was fascinated by racing, and when my parents took me to a small Slušovice racecourse, I was in heaven. I even picked the winner of one race and won what was a pretty decent amount at the time.
By then, I was already experimenting with film photography using a simple Beirette camera. Horses naturally became my favourite subject. Developing negatives and prints in a makeshift darkroom at home was something I loved. My father and grandfather supported me technically—my grandfather was a painter and photographer who taught me the basics of exposure, composition, and how to make a strong image.
I came to sports photography later, while working for Reuters as a treasury reporter for the Gulf and Yemen, based in Dubai. I owe a lot to Ahmed Jadallah, a head of photography for the Middle East. When I showed him my images from a showjumping Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, he told me I should shoot more sports and offered me access to agency gear whenever something interesting was happening. That was a huge motivator. He introduced me to techniques for shooting various sports and started sending me to events across the UAE on weekends. His support was crucial in shaping the photographer I am today.
“Just watching a Thoroughbred in full gallop is pure poetry in motion.”
Dubai World CupHIT SHOW (L) with jockey FLORENT GEROUX wins $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup over 2000m (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Saturday, April 5, 2025. MIXTO with FRANKIE DETTORI finishes second.
Which equestrian disciplines do you most enjoy photographing—and why?
I love shooting horse racing most of all, because I’m fascinated by Thoroughbreds—their speed, heart, intelligence, and character. Just watching a Thoroughbred in full gallop is pure poetry in motion. And experiencing it from the saddle is something else entirely. When you move through space as one, feeling the power coming from their “engine,” it’s indescribable.
That said, I enjoy photographing all equestrian disciplines. Some of my other favourites include eventing, showjumping, carriage driving, and vaulting, which I’ve covered for the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) for several years. I also regularly document events for Longines, a global partner of racing and equestrian sports.
Horses break from the gate in Race 2 over 1 1/2 miles during the Keeneland Spring Meet, April 24, 2019.
How do you approach photographing different equestrian disciplines? Which one is the hardest?
Each discipline is unique and comes with its own challenges. They all require deep understanding and careful planning—you can’t get great photos without that. It’s not just about capturing the action, but also the tension and emotion. You need to understand how the horse moves, which angles and phases best represent the discipline, and position yourself accordingly—or set up remote cameras in the right spots. Anticipation is key.
In showjumping, for example, you need to know where the final jump is, where the rider might turn, and how quickly they’ll realise they’ve won. In racing, you have to be ready for a horse to come flying from behind and win by a nose. And if it’s Frankie Dettori? Then I need to be ready for his signature flying dismount.
Dressage, on the other hand, demands absolute precision and perfect timing. I treat it as a creative challenge.
It helps immensely when you’ve done the sport yourself — I’m very lucky to ride and own an off-the-track Thoroughbred with exceptional character. You understand what matters and how it feels, and that gives you a real advantage behind the lens.
SHARPIN with jockey JOEL ROSARIO gallops to the wire to win Race 10 over 6 furlongs at the Keeneland racecourse, April 26, 2019.
What do you see as the biggest challenge when photographing horses?
A good photo should tell a story and evoke emotion. I treat sports photography like reportage, but with a creative edge. I always consider who the client is—whether it's a news agency, event organiser, sponsor, rider, owner, or stud farm—and tailor the output to their expectations.
Dubai Sheema ClassicJockey WILLIAM BUICK celebrates on Godolphin's HAWKBILL victory in the $6 million Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic over 2410m in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, March 31, 2018.
Do you have a photo that means the most to you? What makes it special?
I don’t have one absolute favourite—there are several, each with a great story behind it.
One is a black-and-white image of a falling horse looking straight into a remote camera during a Nations Cup event in Avenches, Switzerland. It won silver at the 2025 World Sports Photography Awards and captures the drama and risk of equestrian sport. Fortunately, the horse was uninjured, and the rider walked away with only bruises and a headache.
Another is Chalou with Emanuel Gaudiano soaring over a water jump in La Baule, France. It was shot wide-angle on remote and won bronze in the same awards four years earlier thanks to Chalou’s unique style.
A deeply emotional one for me is Henrik von Eckermann from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, apologising to King Edward after an unlucky fall in the showjumping final. The same horse had led Sweden to gold in Tokyo, its first since 1924.
Also from Paris: Martin Fuchs on Leone Jei, clearing an Eiffel Tower-themed jump despite losing a stirrup.
One technically challenging project was for Team Z7 in Dubai, photographing Danubio De Galvez performing a capriole at sunrise in the desert. I used a Profoto B1X strobe —which I usually use for motorsports — to add drama. We tested the horse’s reaction to the flash in advance, and when he showed no concern, I knew it was safe. I lay on the ground at a safe distance, having observed his warmup before. The move lasts just two seconds. With a strobe recycle time only a fraction faster, you get just one shot per attempt — and no more than four attempts due to the physical strain. We also shot the same move against the skyscraper backdrop of the Dubai International Financial Centre.
FEI Eventing Nations CupMATILDE PIOVANI of Italy on BORN WEST falls in the cross-country test of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup of Switzerland in Avenches, Switzerland, June 8, 2024.
EMANUELLE GAUDIANO of Italy on CHALOU is flying over a water jump in the Grand Prix Longines de La Ville Baule in La Baule, France, May 19, 2019.
Olympic Games Paris 2024HENRIK VON ECKERMANN of Sweden apologises to KING EDWARD after an unfortunate fall in the Jumping Individual Final during Olympic Games Paris 2024, Chateau de Versailles, France, August 6, 2024.
Olympic Games Paris 2024MARTIN FUCHS of Switzerland on LEONE JEI tackles an Eiffel Tower jump after losing his iron in the Jumping Individual Final during Olympic Games Paris 2024, Chateau de Versailles, France, August 6, 2024.
Team Z7DANUBIO DE GALVEZ of the Team Z7 performs capriole in the desert at sunrise, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, May 2, 2021.
Team Z7DANUBIO DE GALVEZ of the Team Z7 performs capriole in front of the Dubai International Financial Centre in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, April 16, 2021.
What gear do you typically use when shooting equestrian sports?
It depends on the event and client needs, but I usually work with two or three camera bodies—one with a 400mm, another with a 70–200mm, and possibly a third with a 24–70mm lens. This setup allows me to adapt quickly without getting delayed by changing lenses.
I also use remote cameras, triggered by radio or a track vibration sensor, to get unique angles from places that are off-limits for safety. I rather see them as a bonus as they are not always reliable for reasons beyond your control, especially at major events like the Paris Olympics, where signal interference was a big issue.
“The best photo is the one that doesn’t need editing.”
Olympic Games Paris 2024CHRISTIAN KUKUK of Germany on CHECKER 47 tackles a jump to win Olympic gold in the Jumping Individual Final during Olympic Games Paris 2024, Chateau de Versailles, France, August 6, 2024.
Do you prefer heavy editing or a natural look?
The best photo is the one that needs little or no editing. Cropping, adjusting light and shadows—that’s usually it. Working with news agencies trains you to be fast and faithful to reality.
Sometimes I convert images to black and white if it better reflects the mood or if colour distracts. Black and white simplifies the scene and naturally draws focus to the subject.
How do you collaborate with riders, owners, or event organisers? Can people recognise your visual style?
Every photographer has a distinct visual signature. Even at major events with dozens of colleagues, no two shots from the same spot look alike. That variety is what makes photography exciting.
The key is to deliver what the client needs—whether it’s a rider, sponsor, organiser, or media outlet. People hire me because they like my style and trust my expertise. That style stays consistent.
When photographing horses, what do you focus on most?
I aim to capture the full scope of the discipline—not just action, emotion, and atmosphere, but also unexpected angles (like remote shots) and behind-the-scenes moments.
It’s not just about the rider and horse. The entire team—grooms, trainers, farriers, vets, owners, and family—play a key role. Their presence and reactions add depth to the story.
How has equestrian photography evolved in recent years? Are there new trends?
While photographers’ perception of individual disciplines hasn’t changed drastically, the technology has. Mirrorless cameras, fast sensors, and autofocus systems have opened up new possibilities that were unthinkable just a few years ago.
Social media has also had a big impact—changing how images are shared and increasing the pressure for both speed and visual impact.
At the same time, there’s growing public awareness around horse welfare. This puts pressure on organisers, riders—and photographers—to think carefully about what and how they show. For example, jockey Junior Alvarado was recently fined $62,000 and suspended for two days for overuse of the whip on Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby winner. The U.S. only introduced a six-strike rule three years ago, and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) was created in 2020 in response to public outcry over doping and racehorse deaths.
Do you work outside equestrian photography as well? Where do horses rank for you?
Besides equestrian sports and racing, I also shoot other sports like rugby, football, golf, tennis, enduro cross, and traditional dhow sailing races. The last two also earned me awards at the World Sports Photography Awards.
Working for agencies like Reuters, AP, and Getty Images has taught me how to be adaptable and fast—to handle anything under deadline pressure, whether news or images.
But horses? They’ve always had—and always will have—a special place for me.
ETIBAAR, ridden by MARTIN DOKOUPIL, exercises on a forest track, Pohori, the Czech Republic, December 31, 2023.
Photo by Adela Dokoupilova
What would you say to someone who wants to start photographing equestrian sports?
Don’t be discouraged by not having the latest gear—and don’t be afraid to try. What matters most is commitment, patience, and a constant drive to improve and learn. Without those three, you won’t get far—in photography or in anything else.
MARTIN DOKOUPIL shoots during Super Saturday at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, March 4, 2023.
Photo by Amani Saeed
Al-Aryam led for most of the 51-nautical mile race from Sir Bu Nuayr Island, but the slightly faster Zilzal steadily chipped away at its advantage, finally catching up with around 14 miles to go. The two dhows then sailed side-by-side, shedding ballast in an effort to gain the edge, before Zilzal pulled ahead to finish in 4 hours, 51 minutes and 14 seconds — an average speed of around 10.5 knots. No. 9 Al-Taf, skippered by Yousef Ahmed Al Hammadi, finished third.
Now in its 34th edition, the race across the warm waters of the Gulf commemorates the return of pearling dhows in the olden days, when they would gather at the island after months at sea. Around 118 dhows — each with up to 30 sailors aboard — took part in this year’s race, a sharp rise from the 53 that competed in the inaugural edition in 1991. โต๏ธ
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In that tragic moment, jockey Yuga Kawada pulled up and dismounted immediately, gently placing his hand and head on the face of his partner, with whom he had ridden in all 12 of her starts. She suffered catastrophic injuries, including ruptures of both the medial and lateral sesamoidean ligaments in her left foreleg, along with a subluxation of the fetlock joint.
Bred by Northern Farm and trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida—who is known for treating each horse as an individual—the five-year-old daughter of Duramente ๐ฏ๐ต (ใใฅใฉใกใณใ), an impressive winner of the Japanese 2,000 Guineas and Derby, won five races during her celebrated career.
Renowned for her explosive turn of foot and devastating late charge, she became the seventh filly in Japanese racing history to claim the Triple Tiara ๐ฏ๐ต๐ in 2023 by winning the Group 1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), and Shuka Sho. She also finished second to Japan’s turf phenom Equinox ๐ฏ๐ต (ใคใฏใคใใใฏใน) in the 2023 Japan Cup ๐ฏ๐ต๐, and was runner-up in the 2024 Hong Kong Cup ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ after placing third in the Dubai Sheema Classic ๐ฆ๐ช earlier the same year.
I always enjoyed watching her during early morning workouts at Meydan Racecourse, where she returned this year to try her luck in the Dubai Turf ๐ฆ๐ช. The images are from her prep and successful run in Dubai last year.
My heart goes out to all who loved and cared for her. Run free, champion. You will be missed. ๐๐
It marked the first Group 1 victory for the five-year-old daughter of the precocious Mehmas ๐ฎ๐ช, who retired as a high-class juvenile to become a leading sire of Group 1 winners.
Win Carnelian ๐ฏ๐ต (ใฆใคใณใซใผใใชใขใณ), under Kosei Miura, looked set for victory with two furlongs to go but held on for second, just a short head in front of Regional ๐ฌ๐ง, ridden by Callum Rodriguez.
Trained by George Boughey, the tough mare has now secured her seventh career win from 25 starts, with earnings of £1.3 million ($1.7 million). ๐
The four-year-old colt, ridden by legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, accelerated in the home stretch of the 1600m (8-furlong) contest, leaving his nearest rival, King Gold ๐ซ๐ท, under Adrie de Vries, 3½ lengths adrift. Kazu Petrin ๐ฏ๐ต (ใซใบใใใทใผใณ), partnered by Cristian Demuro, finished third, trailing by another half-length.
Sealing the win with his signature flying dismount, it was Dettori’s eighth Godolphin Mile triumph and his 24th victory on Dubai World Cup ๐๐ฆ๐ช night. For trainer Doug O’Neill, the win marked his third title in the race.
Raging Torrent ๐บ๐ธ is by Maximus Mischief ๐บ๐ธ, a precocious son of Into Mischief ๐บ๐ธ who is quickly establishing himself as a sire of speed and class. With this commanding win, the powerful miler pushes his career earnings past $1.2 million—an impressive feat for a colt who only debuted in mid-2023. ๐
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Making history as the first three-year-old to win the dirt sprint since its inception in 1996, the 40/1 outsider ended the reign of last year’s winner Tuz ๐บ๐ธ, under Tadhg O’Shea. The second favourite behind Straight No Chaser ๐บ๐ธ was looking to slip through a gap on the rail, but Beasley was quick to slam it shut.
Flying to the wire, he also managed to hold off fast-closing Nakatomi ๐บ๐ธ, a 20/1 chance ridden by jockey Emisael Jaramillo, who came second by a quarter length after finishing third a year ago. Tuz ๐บ๐ธ had to settle for third after dominating the season with five consecutive wins.
With just the third win of his career, Dark Saffron ๐บ๐ธ, trained by Ahmad bin Harmash, has now become the most successful son of Flameaway ๐จ๐ฆ, a multiple graded stakes winner.
It was the second win of the night for Beasley, who earlier captured the opening $1 million Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians aboard First Classs. ๐
Godolphin's nine-year-old veteran was kept at the back for most of the race before stunning his rivals with an unstoppable charge on the outside, leaving runner-up Double Major ๐ฎ๐ช, under Maxime Guyon, trailing by 2¼ lengths. Epic Poet ๐ฎ๐ช, ridden by Danny Tudhope, took third.
Sired by the exceptional Dubawi ๐ฎ๐ช and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the bay gelding returned to racing in February after a 427-day break due to soundness issues, easily landing the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy.
The operation’s longest-serving trainer, who has been running a much smaller string this season, has saddled 13 British Classic champions and nine Dubai World Cup ๐๐ฆ๐ช winners, including Thunder Snow ๐ฎ๐ช—the only horse to secure the DWC double. ๐
Trained by Yukihiro Kato, the three-year-old son of Drefong ๐บ๐ธ — a champion U.S. sprinter — held the lead for most of the race before fending off both Heart Of Honor ๐ฌ๐ง and Don in the Mood ๐ฏ๐ต (ใใณใคใณใถใ ใผใ), under Ryusei Sakai, who eventually faded to third.
The Dubai photo-finish win marks the fourth consecutive victory by a Japanese-trained horse in the UAE Derby and secures the colt’s place in the upcoming Kentucky Derby ๐บ๐ธ — the opening race of the prestigious Triple Crown ๐๐บ๐ธ series — on May 3.
Heart Of Honor ๐ฌ๐ง went too wide to make it into the remote camera frame, but I shot both of the top two horses handheld with a 400mm lens, as it was too close a call to determine the winner. ๐
Fast-closing Calandagan ๐ฎ๐ช, piloted by Mickael Barzalona, took second place, while another Japanese runner, Durezza ๐ฏ๐ต (ใใฅใฌใใใก), with Christophe Soumillon aboard, also passed the royal blue star, who had taken the lead around the mile marker but had nothing left in the tank.
Last year’s Group 1 Japanese Derby winner, Danon Decile ๐ฏ๐ต, now boasts a perfect record this year, having won both starts, including January’s Group 2 American Jockey Club Cup at Nakayama.
His latest triumph brings his career tally to five wins from nine starts and marks the sixth time a Japanese-trained horse has captured this prestigious Dubai turf staying race — the first since the phenom Equinox ๐ฏ๐ต (ใคใฏใคใใใฏใน) left his rivals in the dust two years ago.
The four-year-old chestnut son of Epiphaneia ๐ฏ๐ต (ใจใใใกใใคใข), a Japan St. Leger and Japan Cup ๐ฏ๐ต ๐ winner, is trained by prominent handler Shogo Yasuda, son of Takayuki Yasuda, the renowned trainer of champion sprinter Lord Kanaloa ๐ฏ๐ต (ใญใผใใซใใญใข). Danon Decile’s Derby win made Shogo the youngest trainer in history to capture that prestigious title. ๐
After being fastest out of the stalls, Hong Kong’s star and 2/5 favourite settled behind the leaders before shifting into a higher gear and taking the lead two furlongs out, aiming for another major victory.
But Japan’s 14/1 hopeful always stayed in touch behind, eventually running down his formidable rival by a nose in the final stride—after a thrilling head-to-head battle. It was the first overseas Group 1 victory for the seven-year-old son of top-class runner Rulership ๐ฏ๐ต (ใซใผใฉใผใทใใ), trained by Yasutoshi Ikee.
It also represented the seventh win in the Dubai Turf for a Japanese-trained horse—and the first since Panthalassa’s ๐ฏ๐ต (ใใณใตใฉใใต) memorable dead-heat with Lord North ๐ฎ๐ช in 2022.
Romantic Warrior ๐ฎ๐ช, the seven-year-old gelding and highest-earning son of high-class sprinter Acclamation ๐ฌ๐ง, had lost by a neck to Forever Young ๐ฏ๐ต (ใใฉใผใจใใผใคใณใฐ) in the Saudi Cup ๐ธ๐ฆ๐ in February—his only run on dirt.
Trained by Danny Shum, the globetrotting turf specialist has secured ten Group 1 victories, including trebles in both the Hong Kong Cup ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ and Queen Elizabeth II Cup ๐ญ๐ฐ, as well as wins in the Yasuda Kinen ๐ฏ๐ต and Cox Plate ๐ฆ๐บ. ๐
The race favourite, Forever Young ๐ฏ๐ต (ใใฉใผใจใใผใคใณใฐ), with Ryusei Sakai in the saddle, couldn’t match the turn of foot of the 66/1 longshot and had to settle for third.
In the lead-up to his remarkable Dubai victory, the five-year-old grey son of Candy Ride ๐ฆ๐ท, a top-class dirt runner, placed third in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in early March, following a win in the Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes in January.
Thanks to his Dubai win, Hit Show ๐บ๐ธ, trained by Brad H. Cox and owned by Wathnan Racing, has now qualified for the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November. ๐
A victory would place Japan’s racing star alongside dual Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow ๐ฎ๐ช as the only horses to have won both the Group 2 UAE Derby and the Group 1 Dubai World Cup.
Ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai, the gutsy colt has won eight of his ten starts. Japan last clinched the Dubai World Cup in 2023 with Ushba Tesoro ๐ฏ๐ต (ใฆใทใฅใใใฝใผใญ), who is attempting a comeback on Saturday.
Forever Young ๐ฏ๐ต, the four-year-old son of top-class runner Real Steel ๐ฏ๐ต(ใชใขใซในใใฃใผใซ), walked home calmly alongside Shin Emperor ๐ซ๐ท — a Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic hopeful — and American Stage ๐บ๐ธ, a Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen runner ridden by #jockey Oisin Murphy.
The trio is trained by renowned handler Yoshito Yahagi, best known for winning the prestigious Japanese Triple Crown ๐ฏ๐ต๐ with Contrail ๐ฏ๐ต (ใณใณใใฌใคใซ), becoming the first Japanese trainer to secure victory at the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf with Loves Only You ๐ฏ๐ต(ใฉใดใบใชใณใชใผใฆใผ), and for his distinctive, colourful hats. ๐
#DWC2025 #DubaiWorldCup ๐๐ฆ๐ช #horseracing #racehorse #racehorses #horse #horses #horsephotography #sports #sportsphotography #photography #nikonphotography #Nikon #NikonMEA #martinsimages #japan #dubai #mydubai #uae
The black and white image, captured using a remotely triggered camera, shows the dramatic fall of Born West and Matilde Piovani ๐ฎ๐น during the cross-country test at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Switzerland ๐จ๐ญ๐, held in Avenches last year. Thankfully, Born was perfectly fine after the rolltop tumble—"which is the most important thing for me," Matilde said. She escaped with just a few bruises and a headache. ๐
Many thanks to everyone who has supported me on this challenging and exciting journey! Wishing all horses and riders a safe and successful 2025! ๐๐๐
Thank you for your invaluable support on this adventurous journey. Stay tuned for another year filled with top-notch action and creative photography coming your way!
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and successful 2025. Happy New Year, everyone! ๐๐ฅ
Best regards,
Martin ๐
Many thanks for all your support on this exciting journey! ๐๐๐
Here are the shortlisted shots:
1 Jockey William Buick reacts on Rebel's Romance after winning Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic over 2410m (12 furlongs) during Dubai World Cup ๐ฆ๐ช๐ at Meydan Racecourse ๐
2 Matilde Piovani ๐ฎ๐น on Born West falls in cross-country test of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup of Switzerland ๐จ๐ญ๐ in Avenches ๐
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Michael Duffy ๐ฎ๐ช is flying on Cinca over a water jump in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland ๐๐ฎ๐ช. Shot with a remotely triggered camera in a silencer hidden in between flowers on the edge of the obstacle, which many horses find challenging. Wish me luck! โ๏ธ๐
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In its 33rd edition, the race over 51 miles of the Gulf warm waters marks the return of pearling dhows home in the olden days when they used to gather at the small island after months at sea.
Some 123 of 60ft dhows, each with up to around 30 sailors aboard, took part in this year’s race, well up from 53 in the inaugural one in 1991.
This year, a dhow No. 199 came out of nowhere to snatch victory from leading No. 96 in a dramatic finish. No. 96 had been long fighting for the win with No. 21, with both shedding ballast mid-way through the race to sail faster. Another challenger, No. 57, closed in near the finish line at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel before the late precise charge by the winner steered by the skipper Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi. Slowed by having to flip its sails just before the finish line, No.96 crew had to settle for the second place, ahead of No. 57 with No. 21 coming fourth.
The pearling industry that relied on 3-tonne dhows with sails and heavy oars was the backbone of Gulf economies before discovery of oil. Some 4,500 boats and as many as 74,000 men sailed the Gulf at the industry’s peak in the early 1900s.
An economic slump in the 1930s and the ascent of the cultured pearl industry left many dhows decaying on beaches, depriving Gulf tribes of a key source of income.
For example, the pearl income of Bahrain, one of the main pearling centers, fell to a mere $200,000 per harvest by 1949 from $1.5 million in 1896, according to a research paper by British archaeologist Robert Carter.
Compared to heavy old pearling boats, modern racing dhows are about two thirds lighter as new materials such as carbon fibre are allowed for mast and booms and sails are also lightweight. Shark liver oil was replaced with lamination and cotton with epoxy.
Lacking the keel of modern racing yachts, dhows have to carry dozens of sand bags as well as water barrels as stabilizers, allowing to make adjustments depending on sea and wind conditions. Seafaring local families still build their dhows at home with skills passed down the generations and designs a closely guarded secret.
Dhow sailing became my favourite sport to shoot in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai since covering my first Al Gaffal back in 2012 โต๏ธ๐
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Get ready for action from top equestrian events on the road to Paris ๐ซ๐ท๐๐
May 30-June 2 - Longines League of Nations, St Gallen ๐จ๐ญ
June 6-9 - FEI Eventing Nations Cup, Avenches ๐จ๐ญ
June 28-July 7 - CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival ๐ฉ๐ช
July 15-21 - FEI Vaulting World Championship, Bern ๐จ๐ญ
July 27-Aug 6 - Olympic Games Paris ๐ซ๐ท
Image bookings available! ๐
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For more images see FEI European Driving Championships Exloo 2023!
See more images on Irish Nations Cup 2023! ๐
See the awarded images on WSPA 2023 results ๐
Helicopter shots are my favourite for sailing as they provide a unique perspective of the action below.
The doors have to be obviously open and safety harness for both you and your cameras is a must for such shots. Anything that could fall off has to be secured or stowed away.
For nice overhead shots, it is good to sit on the floor with your legs out braced against the landing skids but it is a bit challenging for extended periods as there is a lot of wind drag out there. Steadying a longer lens when out is a constant struggle. Shooting from the side-door bench works well in most circumstances, and you can always lean a bit over the edge in the harness to get a good shot.
It is the best to show to the pilot ahead of the flight exactly what images you are looking for and then keep communicating through the headset when in the air to get the angles you need. I always had to share the helicopter with the live TV, which makes it even more complex and demanding as the videographers tend to have different plans and ideas So the communication is key to get the result you are looking for.
Since the helicopter needs to keep well above the dhows in order not to disrupt the race, using two Nikon D5s, one with a 200-400mm f4 lens and the other with a 70-200mm f2.8 lens, proved to work the best for me. โต๏ธ
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JULY 30 - CSIO4* Prague Cup ๐๐จ๐ฟ๐
AUG 9 - 13 - FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland ๐ Dublin ๐ฎ๐ช ๐
AUG 23 - 27 - FEI Driving European Championship ๐ Exloo ๐ณ๐ฑ๐
AUG 30 - FEI Driving World Championship Ponies ๐Oirschot ๐ณ๐ฑ๐
SEPT 2 - FEI Endurance World Championship Young Riders & Juniors ๐ Castelsagrat ๐ซ๐ท๐
SEPT 4 - 9 - FEI Endurance European Championship ๐ Ermelo ๐ณ๐ฑ๐
Many thanks FEI for the packed schedule !
Get ready for loads of equestrian action on www.martinsimages.com! ๐
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See the shortlist on WSPA 2023 and wish me luck in the final! โต๏ธ๐๐
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The black & white shot shows trainer Salem bin Ghadayer kissing Hypothetical ๐ฎ๐ช after winning under jockey Mickael Barzalona Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 over 2,000m (10 furlongs) a year ago, the same distance as the Dubai World Cup ๐ฆ๐ช๐ The son of Lope De Vega ๐ฎ๐ช, French 2,000 Guineas and Derby winner, had won his second race in a row at the time. He finished seventh in the World Cup 2022. ๐
See the shortlist on WSPA 2023! ๐
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Some 125 of 60ft dhows, each with up to around 30 sailors aboard, took part in this year’s race, well up from 53 in the inaugural one in 1991.
The pearling industry that relied on 3-tonne dhows with sails and heavy oars was the backbone of Gulf economies before discovery of oil. Some 4,500 boats and as many as 74,000 men sailed the Gulf at the industry’s peak in the early 1900s.
An economic slump in the 1930s and the ascent of the cultured pearl industry left many dhows decaying on beaches, depriving Gulf tribes of a key source of income.
For example, the pearl income of Bahrain, one of the main pearling centers, fell to a mere $200,000 per harvest by 1949 from $1.5 million in 1896, according to a research paper by British archaeologist Robert Carter.
Compared to heavy old pearling boats, modern racing dhows are about two thirds lighter as new materials such as carbon fibre are allowed for mast and booms and sails are also much lighter. Shark liver oil was replaced with lamination and cotton with epoxy.
Lacking the keel of modern racing yachts, dhows have to carry dozens of sand bags as well as water barrels as stabilizers, allowing to make adjustments depending on sea and wind conditions. Seafaring local families still build their dhows at home with skills passed down the generations and designs a closely guarded secret.
Dhow sailing became my favourite sport to shoot in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai since covering my first Al Gaffal back in 2012 when I also wrote a feature about it for Reuters (You can read it here if you want to learn more about the tradition Sailing heritage in the UAE).
The seafaring heritage is running in my family as well as my great-grandfather served on a dreadnought battleship SMS Viribus Unitis of the Austro-Hungarian navy in WWI. Always reading about old ships and sailing the oceans, I decided to take a step further and learn sailing and navigation skills to receive a Yachtmaster Coastal certificate before coming to the Gulf back in 2009. โต๏ธ
Many thanks to skipper Sultan Harib and his crew for taking me aboard for sail testing and Dubai International Marine Club for all the support covering Al Gaffal over the years! โต๏ธ
See images on Al Gaffal 2023โต๏ธ๐
In the aerial shot from a helicopter ๐, local sailors balance their dhow in a 60ft sailing race of traditional wooden boats to Abu Dhabi ๐ฆ๐ช
Helicopter shots are my favourite for sailing as they provide a unique perspective of the action below.
The doors have to be obviously open and safety harness for both you and your cameras is a must for such shots. Anything that could fall off has to be secured or stowed away.
For nice overhead shots, it is good to sit on the floor with your legs out braced against the landing skids but it is a bit challenging for extended periods as there is a lot of wind drag out there. Steadying a longer lens when out is a constant struggle. Shooting from the side-door bench works well in most circumstances, and you can always lean a bit over the edge in the harness to get a good shot.
It is the best to show to the pilot ahead of the flight exactly what images you are looking for and then keep communicating through the headset when in the air to get the angles you need. I always had to share the helicopter with the live TV, which makes it even more complex and demanding as the videographers tend to have different plans and ideas So the communication is key to get the result you are looking for.
Since the helicopter needs to keep well above the dhows in order not to disrupt the race, using two Nikon D5s, one with a 200-400mm f4 lens and the other with a 70-200mm f2.8 lens, proved to work the best for me.
Many thanks to Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club for making it possible! โต๏ธ
See the other shortlisted shots on WSPA 2023 Water! ๐
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See more images on Grand Prix of Switzerland 2023 ! ๐
See more images on Swiss Nations Cup 2023!๐
See more images on Al Gaffal 32 ๐
After dozens of restoration hours stretching over long six months, I could finally take my vintage Land Rover Series 3 109 1975 ๐ฌ๐ง out to taste a bit of beautiful brick-red desert in a small oasis town of Falaj Al Mualla in the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain. ๐ฆ๐ช
With an ancient fort in the farming oasis and a watchtower perched atop dunes above, it is one of my favourite places in the UAE not just for its scenic landscape but also for a unique collection of some 100 classic Land Rovers, a haven for anyone obsessed with the iconic British brand.
And as expected from a rugged vehicle initially designed to serve as a light tractor for farmers and get-anywhere workhorse for military, the old ex-Norwegian army radio beast ๐ณ๐ด handled all ups and downs over the rolling sands as a seasoned warrior she is.
The sand was quite soft and tricky in some places but airing the thin 7.50 x 16 tyres all the way down to around 15 psi proved enough grip so we did not get stuck. I let the air out for about 1 minute 40 seconds from each tyre to get the right pressure for the soft ground.
High gear 1st or low gear 2nd usually work the best traversing the dunes. This was also the first time I had a chance to test the new Roamerdrive off-road. As on the open road, it proved its worth providing some nice extra gears in both ranges.
Along with a completely rebuilt 2.25l 4 cylinder petrol engine, Roamerdrive was a major mechanical upgrade for my Series 3. No more earplugs over 80km/h and the fuel gauge seems to have slowed down considerably. Now, the car feels much more agile, quiet and enjoyable. Improving fuel economy was a key consideration for the upgrade, while passing heavy trucks is a nice bonus when cruising at around 95-100km/h.
On highways with the Roamerdrive engaged, engine revolutions are reduced by 28%, decreasing not only the noise and fuel consumption but also drive line wear. It effectively doubles the range of gears available both on and off-road. Such a great piece of kit. In order to mount the overdrive, I had to swap the original military one-tonne gearbox for the standard refurbished one.
And the green coat is a result of countless hours around the car, sanding, paint-thinning the glueish rubber paint, degreasing, cleaning, welding... Before the car was imported here, it was sprayed with a gun metal rubber paint to cover the camouflage, which proved to be such a pain to remove.
Now, painted military style with brush and roller, roughly a 5-liter bucket of paint was needed for the whole body and wheels. At least another litre on axles and several cans of rustproofing and bitumen undercoat for the chassis.
As it is starting to get hot again after an unusually long spell of good winter weather, I had to set out just before 4 am to get to the dunes before the sunrise. Finished by 8 am as it started to get a bit too warm to drive in the AC-less truck. Front vents combined with side windows and a gunner's hatch (great for shooting pictures by the way) ensure plenty of airflow in a cooler weather.
After retreating to the amazing Land Rover refuge, I restarted the journey from the picturesque watchtower again when the temperature dropped after 530pm, about an hour before the sunset, my favourite time for pictures with Nikon D5 and awesome Profoto B1X strobe. ๐๐ช
See more images from our journey on LR S3 1975 ! ๐
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See more images on Dubai World Cup 2023! ๐ ๐
The 10/1 six-year old son of Orfevre ๐ฏ๐ต, a Japan Triple Crown champion and twice runner-up in Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, won three races in a row in Japan over the same distance as the World Cup. In the last slightly longer run at local Grade 1 Kawasaki Kinen in February, he held off another Dubai World Cup challenger T O Keynes ๐ฏ๐ต by half a length. His rival came fourth under Oisin Murphy this time, 3/4 length further back.
Last year’s winner and 4/1 chance Country Grammer ๐บ๐ธ with Frankie Dettori finished seventh, while the 2023 Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa ๐ฏ๐ต only managed to come 10th with Yutaka Yoshida. ๐
See more images on Dubai World Cup 2023l ! ๐
See images from morning track work on Dubai World Cup 2023 Track Work ! ๐
More images on DWC Super Saturday 2023 ! ๐
More images on Saudi Cup 2023 ! ๐
See more images on FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland 2022 !๐
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, which saw over 7,000 images submitted by photographers from more than 60 countries. Both are crosslight images of a high-octane enduro action shot with Nikon D5 & amazing Profoto B1X strobe with OCF Magnum Reflector. 
1 Nemo Scaglia 
tackles on his KTM a challenging tight corner around a poisonous tree called Apple of Sodom (calotropis procera) in the Dubai desert
2 Michele Pirro , Ducati MotoGP test rider, pulls out a sand wheelie at sunset near Super Bowl dune
Many thanks to all fans and supporters of my work! Stay tuned for more! 
See award-winning images on WSPA 2022 ๐
See the shortlisted images on World Sports Photography Awards 2022! ๐
After winning four races in Riyadh, Japanese runners dominated the Dubai meet with Bathrat Leon ๐ฏ๐ต starting the stunning victory sweep with G2 Godolphin Mile, followed by Stay Foolish ๐ฏ๐ต in G2 Dubai Gold Cup, Crown Pride ๐ฏ๐ต in G2 UAE Derby and Shahryar ๐ฏ๐ต in G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. In another G1 Dubai Turf, Panthalassa ๐ฏ๐ต finished first in a dead heat with Lord North ๐ฎ๐ช while another Japanese horse, Vin De Garde ๐ฏ๐ต, was third by a mere nose after a thrilling head-to-head battle, which left all puzzled for minutes who came on top.
See images on Dubai World Cup 2022 !๐
See images on Super Saturday 2022 ! ๐
See more images on Saudi Cup 2022 ! ๐
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See more images on DWC Carnival 6th meet Feb 2022 ! ๐
In the Group 3 UAE 2,000 Guineas, Russian three-year old star colt Azure Coast ๐บ๐ธ extended his unbeaten streak to three races with a two-length victory under Antonio Fresu after an impressive run steamrolling his rivals when coming from the dead last in the opening stages. Unstoppable.
See more images on DWC Carnival 5th meet Feb 2022 !๐
See more images on DWC Carnival 4th meet ! ๐
See more images on CSI4* Al Shira'aa Diamond Tour 2022 ! ๐
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See more images on FEI Nations Cup of the UAE 2022 ! ๐
See more images on CSIO5* UAE President Cup 2022 ! ๐
See images on DWC Carnival 1st meet ! ๐๐๐
Starting early in the day from a basecamp near Mahafiz-Al Faya road, the high-octane twisting track took Michele Pirro, Ducati MotoGP test rider, Matteo Ferrari, 2019 MotoE World Champion, and racer Luca Marconi through some 52km of challenging brick-red sand dunes in the emirate of Sharjah ๐ฆ๐ช to imposing rugged cliffs of Camel Rock and Pink Rock and all the way to the adrenaline-filled final stage of scaling a massive Super Bowl dune just before the sunset.
The thrilling ride, which also included some jumping and racing fun at Al Badayer twisty desert circuit near the towering Big Red Dune, was led by Nemo Scaglia with SRG Motorsports' Sean Gaugain joining at the track and for the final demanding stage. Pietro Moro was guarding the back of the group from his Husqvarna throughout the ride. ๐๐๐ช
While the whole track offered endless opportunities for both action-filled as well as backstage shots, it was the Super Bowl dune final where I deployed a powerful Profoto B1X strobe with the OCF Magnum Reflector, which made the sunset action shots really pop with the riders and flying sand backlit by soft golden rays of the setting sun. Shot with my trusty rugged Nikon D5 and 14-24mm f2.8 lens @21mm, 1/1250 sec, f7.1, ISO 320. ๐
Many thanks to Nemo and Garage 51 racing team for an exciting action-packed day of shooting in some of the most spectacular desert places. It was a blast! ๐ฅ Garage 51 is happy to organise a similar adventure for other riders interested in such a unique experience. You can reach the team on Garage 51 for more information. ๐
See images on Meydan Racing Jan 7, 2022 ! ๐๐๐
All remote frames were fired by a seismic trigger detecting track vibrations from galloping horses, which I wired to two Nikon cameras (D4 & D5) with a 50mm lens near the finish line and 300mm further down the track. The upgraded trigger made by Lewis Gardner has been working really well so far, capturing all that is moving on the track, including harrows. The trigger has a stay-awake feature that prevents camera from falling asleep and primed to fire whenever something moves, which is very handy. It can detect vibrations over a large distance, so it is a matter of fine tuning the sensitivity to limit the number of frames that may be sometimes a tad too far in both directions. Overall, it has been a great addition to my shooting arsenal as it allows me to shoot on the other side of the racecourse and still get that finish line shot without having to think about the distance as with radios, or even about having to take it. It also beats a potential radio interference, which has been happening a lot recently especially during big events like Dubai World Cup, which has been really frustrating as sometimes the radios would just not fire your remote cameras at all throwing away all the time spent on their setup. On the top of it, I can concentrate much better on the actual in-hand shooting without having to think about pressing that remote button. ๐๐๐
See action shots at Meydan Racing Dec 16, 2021! ๐
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See action-packed images on Dubai 7s 2021! ๐
See more images on DP World Tour 2021 ! ๐
See more images on Dubai Golf Championship 2021 ! โณ๏ธ
See more images on Meydan Racing 1st meet ! ๐๐๐
See more images on Jebel Ali Racing Oct 29, 2021! ๐
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Pulling off this extremely difficult classical dressage movement requires the horse to lower his hindquarters, transferring all his weight backward, and then jump off the ground up to double his height and kick out with his hind legs in the air. Only few strong, talented and sensitive stallions can reach this ultimate pinnacle of la haute école after years of training.
This was one of the most challenging shots ever as I only had a single frame to capture this split-second movement. The precise timing is crucial to catch the hind legs kick off as the horse spends only about 2 seconds in the air so even with this superfast Profoto strobe, which recharges in mere 1.9sec on full power, I could not squeeze out more. Another limit was the number of attempts Danubio could perform this strenuous movement, which was about four times in a row.
And most importantly, we first had to test if and how he was going to react to the strobe light for safety reasons. Seeing Danubio was comfortable with the strong flash, I could take my sand level position next to him with a peace of mind, though still ready to roll away if needed. Since I watched him practice and perform the exercise before, I knew how he was landing and could better judge what was the safe distance. This is the best shot of the four frames when both of his hind legs are fully extended. Many thanks to the team's Laura Arkle for an amazing job following Danubio’s leaps with the strobe!
Profoto B1X strobe with OCF Magnum Reflector in high-speed sync. Nikon D5 with 14-24mm f2.8 lens @ 14mm, 1/1600sec, f8, ISO 320.
Here is another capriole example, this time just a silhouette backlit by the rising sun.
Nikon D4 with 14-24mm f2.8 lens @ 22mm, 1/2000sec, f6.3, ISO 200.
And finally, Danubio is performing his trademark movement in front of the iconic Gate building of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and nearby glass and steel towers. It was the first time the 12-year old grey stallion showed his capriole skills at this spectacular location.
Nikon D5 with 14-24mm f2.8 lens @ 14mm, 1/1000sec, f6.3, ISO 1000.
Many thanks to Team Z7 and its founder H.H. Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for taking me on this exciting journey to show the best of their amazing horses, riders & trainers supported by tireless grooms at some spectacular Dubai locations and being always open to try something new. It was a blast! ๐ฆ๐ช๐
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See images from the event on Grand Prix De la Baule 2021 ! ๐
See more images on FEI Jumping Nations Cup of France ! ๐
Here are just a few of my favourite shots:
1/ Malin Baryard-Johnsson pats H&M Indiana, joined by the team 2/ after jumping clear
3/ That’s how much it rained on my remote camera when Douglas Lindelow flew on Casquo Blue over the first jump in round two.
4/ A bit of color as Evelina Tovek takes off on Winnetou de la Hamente Z.
5/ And finally Rolf-Goran Bengtsson on Ermindo W is powering over the water jump when it rained a little less.
See more shots on FEI Nations Cup of Switzerland 2021 ! ๐
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You can see more images from the event on Swiss Grand Prix 2021 ! ๐
in the finals of World Sports Photography Awards 2021 
thanks to a massive jump of Chalou & Emanuele Gaudiano 
in the Grand Prix de La Ville Baule 
! Many thanks to all fans and supporters of my work! You always make my day. 
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Flying in Desert - Double jump by Sean Gaugain ๐ฟ๐ฆ (12) & Mohammed Al Balooshi ๐ฆ๐ช flying over sand dunes on Husqvarna bikes in the Dubai Endurocross opener.
Here are the shortlisted shots:
1 Simone Blum ๐ฉ๐ช on DSP Alice celebrates landing gold for Germany on the final #jumping day of the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, becoming the first ever WEG female Jumping champion ๐ ๐บ๐ธ
2 Spain's Albert Hermoso Farras ๐ช๐ธ & Nereo CP fly over a boat jump propelling a cloud of water droplets into the air during their cross-country test at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon ๐บ๐ธ
3 Emanuele Gaudiano of Italy ๐ฎ๐น on Chalou is flying over a water jump in the Grand Prix de La Ville Baule ๐ซ๐ท
4 A railing shadow from the afternoon sun paints Hello Senator of Scott Brash ๐ฌ๐ง in a zebra-like pattern as they come to the arena for a warmup ahead of LGCT at Miami Beach ๐ ๐บ๐ธ
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Earlier, $5 million Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic ended up in a thrilling battle between the Saudi Cup champion Mishriff ๐ฎ๐ช with David Egan and mighty Japanese mares Chrono Genesis ๐ฏ๐ต with Yuichi Kitamura and Loves Only You ๐ฏ๐ต under Oisin Murphy. The four-year old son of Make Believe ๐ฌ๐ง trained by John Gosden prevailed by a neck over Chrono Genesis with Loves Only You a further neck behind, proving his versatility and stamina, succeeding in the 12 furlong contest.
Enjoy images from the event on Dubai World Cup 2021 ! ๐๐๐
See more images on JEBEL ALI RACING 11th MEET 2021! ๐๐๐
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It was the first Group 1 success for the six-year old son of Sepoy ๐ฆ๐บ after his victory in the previous round of Al Maktoum Challenge in February, beating the runner-up Hypothetical ๐ฎ๐ช under Mickael Barzalona by 1 3/4 lengths last night.
In the earlier Group 1 battle, Lord Glitters ๐ซ๐ท with jockey Daniel Tudhope showed his class, storming past his rivals in the final strides of the $260,000 Group 1 Jebel Hatta race after waiting to strike at the back for most of the nine-furlong run. The eight-year old grey son of Whipper ๐บ๐ธ defeated second Eqtiraan ๐ฎ๐ช under Jim Crowley by half a length on his quest to land the $4 million Dubai Turf on the Dubai World Cup night on March 27.
Enjoy images from the race meet on DWC Super Saturday 2021 !๐
The 11-year old son of Exceed and Excel ๐ฆ๐บ won 15 out of 66 races, earning nearly $2.2 million over nine years on the track. In his prime in 2018, Heavy Metal defeated the eventual dual Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow ๐ฎ๐ช in the first round of Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge in January and captured the $1 million Group 2 Godolphin Mile in March. He narrowly lost in a duel with Coal Front ๐บ๐ธ in the same race a year later, which was his last major result. Here he is winning Godolphin Mile with jockey Ryan Moore and getting attention in the winners’ enclosure after the race. ๐๐๐
In Group 3 UAE Oaks, Mnasek ๐บ๐ธ steered by jockey Pat Dobbs took an unasailable lead, cruising home 6 1/2 lengths ahead of her nearest challenger in the 1900m (9.5F) race.
Enjoy images on DWC Carnival 2021 - 5th meet ๐
Enjoy images on DWC Carnival 2021 - 4th meet ! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy images from the meet shot for Longines on DWC Carnival 2021 - 2nd meet ! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy images from the action packed race meet on DWC CARNIVAL 2021 - 1ST MEET ! ๐
Enjoy action from Meydan at MEYDAN RACING - 6th MEET ! ๐๐๐
Enjoy action and creative images on JEBEL ALI RACING Jan 8, 2021 ! ๐๐๐
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Many thanks to Longines for entrusting me again with coverage of their racing and other equestrian events in the UAE!
Enjoy action images on MEYDAN RACING Jan 7 2021 ! ๐๐๐
Enjoy action images from Jebel Ali at Racing Jebel Ali Dec 18 ! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy action images from the last Meydan race meet this year on Meydan Racing Dec 17 ! ๐๐๐
Enjoy images from the scenic Jebel Ali racecourse on Racing Jebel Ali Dec 11 ! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy images at MEYDAN RACING 3RD MEET ๐
Enjoy Almond Eye shots on G1 Dubai Turf 2019! ๐๐๐
Enjoy action images on DUBAI ENDUROCROSS R3 ! ๐
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Enjoy images on 130th Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase ! ๐จ๐ฟ ๐๐๐
Enjoy images from the Dubai racing jewel on Zabeel Racing Stables ! ๐ฆ๐ช ๐๐๐
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Enjoy action images on Dubai Endurocross ! ๐
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Enjoy images from the auction on Racing In Dubai Sale 2020 ! ๐
I mounted a trio of Nikon speedlights into a FourSquare bracket attached to a Manfrotto tripod stabilised with my small water backpack I use on a motorcycle to prevent it from toppling over in the wind. In order to trigger the speedlights, I used RadioPopper radios velcroed on the units. The transmitter converts the infrared signal coming from Nikon's SU-800 commander mounted on the camera into a radio one. The receiver then reconverts it back into the infrared one. This allows me to fire the flashes even in the full sunlight. Speedlights are set on remote and full power to concentrate the maximum light on the athlete.
The tripod was positioned slightly into the lane facing Rafael in the starting blocks, who was backlit by the setting sun, but not in any way interfering with his action. I settled into a sniper-like position on the track in between to complete the triangle. I used my favourite Nikon D5 with a 14-24mm f2.8 lens at 24mm in a high speed sync. I prefocused the camera with the back button so I could concentrate only on getting the right timing as I was in a single frame mode.
After a couple of shots, I moved the speedlights to the other side of the lane to shoot Rafael in a partially light-rimmed silhouette. Check here Action portrait - sprinter how the one lane difference changes the whole image. Both frames have the same camera settings 1/1000 sec, f6.3, ISO 200 ๐
We put each saddle on a rack in the middle of a walkway in the Elite Stable in the Ajman desert ๐ฆ๐ช, where Anita keeps her grey For Cash, and turned off all lights to keep the whole place as dark as possible.
I used my favourite Nikon D5 mounted on a Manfrotto tripod and 24-70mm f2.8 lens set @ 40mm, 30 sec, f22, ISO 100. A combination of warm WB 10,000K and ProTac AA LED flashlight for lightpainting gives the leather its rich golden look. The camera was in manual mode and prefocused with AF switched off. Using the camera timer gives you a chance to get your flashlight ready to start painting right when the shutter opens.
After each image, I checked it on the camera to see where I need to put more or less light. I kept adjusting my technique until I was happy with the result.
You can see more examples from the shoot on Anita Saddles ๐
You can read the story behind some of my favourite images on: FEI-My Top 5 Photos: Martin Dokoupil
1/ Luis Sabino Goncalves ๐ต๐น leaves the arena on Unesco du Rouet in Barcelona ๐ช๐ธ
2/ Paolo Paini ๐ฎ๐น on Chaccolie is flying around the world in Abu Dhabi ๐ฆ๐ช
3/ Patrice Delaveau ๐ซ๐ท offers his mare Vestale de Mazure HDC a taste of champagne at La Baule ๐ซ๐ท ๐
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As the last time, I used a trio of off-camera Nikon speedlights in a FourSquare bracket on a tripod stabilised with my water bag on a windy salt flat. I lay down on the ground clutching Nikon D5 in a single frame mode and high speed sync with a 14-24mm f2.8 lens at 14mm. Speedlights at full power were set off through SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander mounted on the camera and topped with a RadioPopper PX for the infrared-radio signal conversion - 1/2000 sec, f8, ISO 640. ๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐ช
You can see more shots on BMW R1200GS ๐
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I picked a long enough piece of the flat desert near a side road for the setup. Using the PhotoPills app, I knew exactly when and where the sun was going to set and how it was going to look.
To counter the power of the sun, I mounted a trio of off-camera Nikon speedlights into a FourSquare bracket on a tripod, which I stabilised with my water bag since it was quite windy. Nikon D5 in a high speed sync with a 14-24mm f2.8 lens at 14mm was set on a ground plate and fired using a combination of PocketWizard MultiMAX II transceivers and a handle bar trigger. Speedlights were set off through SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander topped with a RadioPopper PX, which converts the commander's infrared signal to a radio one to make sure they fire even in bright sunlight. The camera in a single frame mode is pre-focused and all in manual - 1/3200 sec, f7.1, ISO 640.
I did not ride too fast not to miss the right moment. Finding the right timing was the most difficult part, if you are not behind the camera and have to focus on both riding and triggering since you have one single frame to make it on each pass. Then you have to stop, get off and check the camera in full gear and summer heat. Easier to shoot someone else for sure. ๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐ช
You can see few more shots here BMW R1150GS ADV ๐
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The composite image is made from a selection of frames shot with Nikon D5 and 200-400 mm f4 lens with a 1.4 teleconverter and a DX crop switched on, making the lens into an 840mm equivalent. A special three-layer solar filter from Dubai Astronomy Group covered the lens to protect the camera sensor. All was mounted on a sturdy Manfrotto tripod and I used Nikon's Wireless Remote Controller to trigger the camera to prevent any movement. A towel over the camera came very handy as I could easily check the backscreen without undesirable reflections.
I made a series of test shots with different exposures two days before to see what might work the best on the day. The filter makes the sun look cold blue so shooting in RAW to allow processing in Adobe Lightroom is a good idea. I used PhotoPills, which is a great app for planning so I picked the location ahead and was already set up well before the eclipse started. I took few test shots before the start to check the correct exposure as some low-lying fog was obscuring the view from the desert. Fortunately, all cleared out before it started. To create the composite image, I shot the sun every five minutes throughout the three-hour eclipse, having to keep adjusting the camera's angle as the sun moves across the sky. In between, I enjoyed the eclipse wearing protective glasses!
A priest of the Drago ๐ contrada blesses its Palio horse Morosita Prima in the church garden ahead of the 2016 race. The mighty mare won two Palios in Aug 2013 and July 2015 out of seven starts. ๐ฎ๐น
Enjoy more images from the 2016 edition of the world's oldest horse race on Palio di Siena 2016 ! ๐๐๐
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One of the images I wanted to create was that of handlebars with the world passing around in motion. I shot an evening and morning version on a path in our compound, both with remote Nikon D5 and 14-24 mm f2.8 lens at 14mm and SB-5000 speedlight mounted on the bike with two Manfrotto Magic Arms for stability.PocketWizard Plus III transceivers were fired with a trigger by Michael Bass Designs concealed on handle bars.
For the evening version I called 'chasing lights', I set the shutter speed at very slow 0.8 sec, which creates light trails and makes surroundings soft and blurry like a painting. The flash freezes the movement of handle bars, keeping them sharp. The sky colour was deep blue as I timed the shoot to happen during the blue hour. Aperture f6.3, ISO 2000. ๐ฆ๐ช
You can see more images on MTB shoot ๐ด
The whole party passes through a barely visible railing and pulls up near a high metal structure with wires attached. Men in traditional white robes wearing hand-knit colourful caps or scarves wrapped around their heads tie their camels together and begin getting their gear ready so the first of about 10 races can start just after the sunrise.
Camels, sometimes called 'Ships of the Desert', played an important role in the life of Bedouin tribes in Oman. Besides being a source of wool and food, they provided a reliable and hardy transport in the hostile and unforgiving desert environment.
Arabian camels, also known as dromedaries, have only one hump, but they employ it to great effect. The hump stores up to 36 kilograms of fat, which they can break down into water and energy.
These humps give camels their legendary ability to travel up to 160 desert kilometres without water. They can also carry heavy loads across desert sands for up to 40 kilometres a day.
For racing, each camel is fitted with a saddle with colourful rugs and a small robotic jockey in its owner's silks like in horse racing, sitting behind the camel's hump. A number is painted on each camel's neck to help its identification during a race.
Lightweight robotic jockeys replaced child riders from Asia, who were used across the Gulf in the past often facing many hardships of life far away from their families and dangers riding unpredictable over 700-kilogram animals at high speeds of up to 65 km/h.
Sturdy robots have a rotating whip arm, which the owners can control remotely from their SUVs and pickup trucks as they follow racing camels on a service road running along the brown-painted rail of the desert sandy track with mighty Hajar mountains rising in the distance.
They can also carry a set of walkie-talkies, which owners use to shout encouragements to their labouring camels.
As the red sun begins its climb over the horizon, handlers lead the first runners into a pen behind the starting gate and line them up next to each other, tying them loosely to the starting rope. Around eight camels are dispatched for each race but numbers can differ.
Races are run over different distances depending on camels' age. In Sohar, camels as young as two years run races over 2 kilometres, three year-olds over 4 kilometres, while four-year olds usually compete over 5 kilometres.
Permanent starting gates are fitted at different places around the track so races can be run in a quick succession over different distances without the need to change gate positions.
When the gates are not used the starting ropes are simply pulled up so the racing camels can pass under them easily.
With camels lined up for the start a man with a stick with helpers walks around in front of the gate to make sure that all the runners remain in their position. When the starting rope snaps up, camels dash out followed by their yelling handlers waving long wooden sticks to send them off.
One camel suddenly decides it does not feel like exerting itself today and makes a quick turn back to the waiting area behind the gate outsmarting its sprinting handler to seek safety next to a leading older camel handlers use to ride along the youngsters coming to the track.
There might be as little as 10 minutes in between the races to finish in time before the heat kicks in, so it pays off to arrive early enough as all the races may be over in an hour or so. Handlers sometimes use the time in between the races to exercise or warm up other runners on the track while jogging them along mounted lead camels.
Good racing camels can fetch prices of around $100,000 at auctions across the Gulf but the price tag can easily shot up all the way to a couple of millions for the best ones.
The camel racing season lasts from October to April to take advantage of cooler winter months with races typically run at the sunrise on Fridays and Saturdays. They are completely free to attend. When watching near the track always park your car away from the service road in order not to block the owners speeding along during races.
Enjoy more images on CAMEL RACING! ๐ช๐ช๐ช ๐ด๐ฒ
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Enjoy more images from the race meet on JEBEL ALI RACE MEET March 20 ! ๐ฆ๐ช ๐๐๐
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Enjoy images from the meet on LONGINES MEYDAN RACING ! ๐ฆ๐ช ๐๐๐
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X Y Jet was given dozens of different PED doses by his trainer Jorge Navarro before winning the $2.5 million Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen a year ago, according to charges against 27 trainers, vets and drug makers and distributors.
Among the drugs were pain blockers as well as blood builders, which cause increased cardiac exertion and pressure, which can lead to cardiac issues or death.
X Y Jet died of an apparent heart attack in January when he was 8 years old. At least 20 horses are believed to have died because of the PED abuse, according to the FBI investigation that includes evidence coming from phone intercepts.
Another prominent trainer indicted is Jason Servis, who covertly administered PEDs to virtually all horses in his care, including the demoted Kentucky Derby winner Maximum Security, according to the indictment. Maximum Security landed under the jockey Luis Saez the inaugural $20 million Saudi Cup last month.
Servis and Navarro were in contact over the covert PED use and misleading the regulators, the indictment document shows. When Maximum Security was tested last June after receiving a shot of a PED substance, a vet, who is among the defendants, assured Servis that it cannot be discovered as there is no test for it in America. Another vet agreed to falsify Maximum Security’s test records if the drug appeared as a different substance, the indictment showed. It is not clear yet if Maximum Security was doped ahead of running in the Saudi Cup, which I hope the trial will answer.
However, one thing is clear to me. We should show absolutely no tolerance to these despicable practices in horse racing and support a lifetime ban from the sport and any proximity of horses for those caught and proven red-handed. It is about time to clean house now. ๐ ๐ ๐
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and Spotify ๐ซ๐ท with all first three runners trained by Charlie Appleby. The multiple G1 winner clocked 1:46.09 over 1800m (9F), a new stakes record, in his preparation for the $6 million Group 1 Dubai Turf during the Dubai World Cup night later this month.
Earlier, Wildman Jack ๐บ๐ธ under Fernando Jara smashed the track record for 1200m on grass in the Group 3 $350,000 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint, crossing the wire in 1:07.61 after leading nearly gate-to-wire. It was the third victory of American trainer Doug O’Neill in the 2020 DWC Carnival and the first American win on grass in Dubai history.
In the $600,000 Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge, Matterhorn ๐ฎ๐ช ridden by Mickael Barzalona dominated the race, coming home 5½ lengths ahead of Military Law ๐ฌ๐ง. The five-year old son of Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Raven’s Pass ๐บ๐ธ clocked 2:04.44 over 2000m, which is around two seconds slower than an average winning time in the Dubai World Cup over the last five years. One second equals roughly five lengths but this may differ based on the surface and going.
Enjoy images on DWC Super Saturday 2020 ! ๐ฆ๐ช ๐ ๐ ๐
"Oh my god, this is amazing, to win the race, to be here, to travel from far away and to have a victory for United States, for Panama, for all my people, this is something I don't have words for," Saez said. "This is the true Kentucky Derby winner. I'm so glad to be on the horse."
Godolphin's Benbatl ๐ฌ๐ง under Oisin Murphy edged out Pegasus World Cup winner Mucho Gusto ๐บ๐ธ
with Irad Ortiz to finish third in what was just his second run on dirt. ๐๐๐
Enjoy more images from the race on Saudi Cup 2020 ! ๐๐๐
It was a privilege to be a part of such an amazing Saudi Cup photo team! Thank you for having me! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy more images on DWC Carnival 7th Meet! ๐ ๐ ๐
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Enjoy images from the Grand Prix on Sharjah Ruler Cup 2020 !๐ฆ๐ช ๐
Enjoy more images on DWC Carnival 6th meet !๐ฆ๐ช ๐ ๐ ๐
Enjoy images from the meet on Dubai World Cup Carnival 5th meet ! ๐ฆ๐ช ๐ ๐ ๐
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Enjoy images from both the turf as well as early morning work from the dirt track where the $20 million Saudi Cup will be run on SAUDI CUP trials ! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy more images from the Grand Prix on CSI4* Al Shira'aa Longines GP ! ๐
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Enjoy images from the event on CSI3* Al Shira'aa Grand Prix ! ๐
Certain Lad ๐ฌ๐ง with jockey Ben Curtis pierced a six-strong blue wall of Godolphin horses to run away with victory in the Zabeel Turf Listed Handicap over 2000m (10F) in 2:00:67, matching a track record by Hunter's Light ๐ฎ๐ช from February 2015.
In the Group 2 Cape Verdi for fillies and mares, Godolphin's Magic Lily ๐ฌ๐ง with jockey James Doyle aboard battled Nisreen ๐ฎ๐ช with Pierre-Charles Boudot in a thrilling finish to cross the wire a mere short head ahead. Then Midnight Sands ๐บ๐ธ with jockey Pat Dobbs extended his unbeaten streak to four races, defeating Ambassadorial ๐บ๐ธ with John Egan aboard in another short head finish in Race 5 over 1600m (8F).
In the last race on the card, Suedois ๐ซ๐ท under Daniel Tudhope completed the night of close finishes with a victory by nose over Epic Hero ๐ซ๐ท and William Buick.
Enjoy images from the races on DWC Carnival 3rd Meet ! ๐ ๐ ๐
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Godolphin's Benbatl ๐ฌ๐ง with jockey Christophe Soumillon had easy work in Group 2 Singspiel Stakes, cruising home 4.75 lengths ahead of For The Top ๐ฆ๐ท with Mickael Barzalona. The boys in blue captured four of eight races on the card with Soumillon landing a double.
Enjoy images from the event on DWC Carnival 2nd Meet ! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy images from the event on CSI4* Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ! ๐
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Enjoy images from the event on DWC Carnival 1st meet ! ๐
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Enjoy images from the event on Al Ain CSI3* World Cup Qualifier ! ๐
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Enjoy images on Al Rahba Racecourse 7th Meet ! ๐๐๐
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South Africa lead the standings after the first of 10 events in a season that culminates in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan ๐ฏ๐ต with 22 points, ahead of New Zealand and bronze medallists England ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ.
Enjoy images from the tournament on Dubai Rugby 7s 2019! ๐ฆ๐ช ๐
Enjoy images on Meydan Racing Meet 4! ๐๐๐
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Enjoy action shots from the tournament on DP World Tour Championship 2019 ! โณ๏ธ๐๏ธโ๏ธ
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Enjoy images from the night on Meydan 2nd meet ! ๐
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Enjoy action shots from the FEI Nations Cup week on FEI NATIONS CUP FINAL and stay tuned for updates! ๐ช๐ธ
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Enjoy action shots from the FEI NationsCup Final week on FEI Nations Cup Final! ๐๐
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with five. Sweden ๐ธ๐ช and Colombia ๐จ๐ด shared the third spot with nine penalties. The South American nation now stands a good chance to earn the prized ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the Sunday final with Italy ๐ฎ๐น and Ireland ๐ฎ๐ช to beat. Germany ๐ฉ๐ช and Switzerland ๐จ๐ญ also ended among the top eight teams on Thursday at the Real Club de Polo. ๐ช๐ธ
Enjoy images from round one on FEI NATIONS CUP Barcelona R1 ! ๐
Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final ๐ on Oct 3 - 6 is offering a chance to qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics! ๐ฏ๐ต
Best moments of top jumping action, emotions and team spirit are coming soon to www.martinsimages.com! ๐
Belgium ๐ง๐ช will be defending its ๐ฅ from last year’s dramatic final when France ๐ซ๐ท came ๐ฅ, Ireland ๐ฎ๐ช ๐ฅ and Italy ๐ฎ๐น fourth. The best team among Colombia ๐จ๐ด, Egypt ๐ช๐ฌ, Ireland ๐ฎ๐ช, Italy ๐ฎ๐น, Norway ๐ณ๐ด, Portugal ๐ต๐น and Spain ๐ช๐ธ will secure the Olympic ticket. Switzerland ๐จ๐ญand top jumpers from Germany ๐ฉ๐ช, Britain ๐ฌ๐ง, Sweden ๐ธ๐ช and the Netherlands ๐ณ๐ฑ will be among other challengers in the final. Brazil ๐ง๐ท, Mexico ๐ฒ๐ฝ and USA ๐บ๐ธ will represent the Americas and Japan ๐ฏ๐ต Asia.
Images in the video were shot for the FEI at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon 2018 ๐บ๐ธ and past Nations Cups in France ๐ซ๐ท, Hungary ๐ญ๐บ, Abu Dhabi ๐ฆ๐ช as well as at other events. Music by Joshua Empyre. ๐
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Enjoy images from the race on Dubai 43ft dhows Heat 2 ! โต๏ธ ]]>
Enjoy images from the sale on Racing in Dubai auction ! ๐๐๐
]]>Enjoy images from the race on Dubai 43ft dhow race Heat 1 ! โต๏ธ
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Enjoy more action shots from Pardubice on Velka Pardubicka Qualifier Aug 2019 ! ๐
Enjoy more action jumping shots from Aachen on CHIO Aachen Jumping Grand Prix 2019 ! ๐
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Enjoy a selection of shots on Keeneland Spring Meet 2019 ! ๐๐บ๐ธ
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Enjoy more action and backstage beach shots on La Baule 2019 ! ๐๏ธ ๐ ๐ซ๐ท
Enjoy more images from beautiful La Baule on FEI Nations Cup de France! ๐
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Enjoy images from the race on Al Gaffal 2019! โต๏ธ๐ฆ๐ช
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In a thrilling head-to-head duel, Soumillon dived over the wire burying his face in Thunder Snow's mane to push him by the narrowest of margins ahead of last year's Belmont Stakes runner-up Gronkowski with Oisin Murphy in the $12 million Dubai World Cup at the Meydan racecourse ๐ฆ๐ช
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“Last year I won by five,six, even more lengths, and today Thunder had to fight hard," Soumillon said. "“It was very hard, I was more looking like a Cheltenham jump jockey in the end than an American style jockey but you need to get him going and sometimes you need to do something different."
"Thanks to Thunder Snow, because without him I would not be able to do such things."
The five-year old son of Australian galloper Helmet trained by Saeed bin Suroor has now won eight of his 23 career starts with a prize money total of over $16 million.
“He is a such a brave horse. I wasn’t sure if he had won, but we had the best jockey in the world on board and he knows him so well," Suroor said.
Thunder Snow will now likely to be pointed towards the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita, he added.
Enjoy action images from the race on Dubai World Cup 2019! ๐๐๐
"He’s an honest horse. Even when he won over a mile, he ran an amazing race. We thought why not try him over 10 furlongs," said trainer Salem bin Ghadayer. "This horse really is amazing when he decides to run. His problem is he’s a little bit tricky of a horse and he needs to keep calm and relax.”
It was the third win in a row for the five-year old son of the Preakness Stakes winner Bernardini, who already led in the first turn.
"I made a strong effort to lead the race and I was lucky (because) he was breathing well in the (middle) of the race. Just before I asked him to go, the last three furlongs, he really picked up nicely,” Barzalona said.
The runner-up, Godolphin's Thunder Snow ๐ฎ๐ช with Christophe Soumillon, who hopes to score an unprecendented Dubai World Cup ๐ double in the upcoming running of the $12 million race on March 30, trailed massive 9.5 lengths behind.
"The winner, I knew before the race that he would be tough if he got to the lead with a steady pace and that’s exactly what he did," said Soumillon. "I’m very happy with Thunder. He always improves from his runs. If you look at last year, at the same period of the season, (this effort) was even better than then (when second in the same race). I’m very confident with him."
Enjoy more action images on Super Saturday 2019 ! ๐
Jumping Nations Cups are my favourite competitions to cover for their great team spirit and emotions that go with each horse and rider trying their best for their team and many thanks to the FEI for having me again this year.
I deployed an extra hardware for the event - 2 remotely triggered cameras - one for the water jump/Longines oxer and another mounted atop of a TV tower to capture team reactions in the 'kiss and cry' area. That was in addition to two other cameras I had with me in the arena (as always many thanks to the NPS at Nikon Middle East for great help with the gear).
The whole setup was: 2 x Nikon D5, Nikon D4s, Nikon D4, 400mm f/2.8 lens, 70-200mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8, camera silencer mounted alternatively on a ground plate/tripod for remote jump shots, Manfrotto Magic Arm for the TV tower camera, PocketWizard Multimax II and Plus 3 tranceivers, Gitzo monopod. I always have some extra prime and zoom lenses in reserve in case I need to swap.
Enjoy top action shots from the event on FEI Nations Cup Abu Dhabi 2019 and FEI report on FEI Nations Cup Abu Dhabi story! ๐
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Enjoy top action shots on President of UAE Show Jumping Cup ! ๐ ]]>
"She has a great finishing kick," Buick, who scored a hat-trick for the boys in blue on Thursday, said after the race. "It was lovely; a great performance. She has won two Group 2s now, so she will be looking for the elusive Group 1.”
The four-year old daughter of Dubawi ๐ฎ๐ช trained by Charlie Appleby beat second Mia Tesoro ๐ฎ๐ช with Chris Hayes by 2.75 lenghts and now has six wins out of 11 races, half of them with Buick, who patted her repeatedly on the neck in the final yards as other runners were still labouring to get close.
"She’s been remarkable. She came to me rated 57 and just finished second in a Group 2," said Mia Tesoro trainer Charlie Fellowes.
"That’ll probably be it for her in Dubai. She’ll come back to England and the plan is for (Coolmore stallion) Australia to cover her. She might come back into training and we may have a bit of fun with her before she needs to be retired, especially after she ran a blinder like that.”
Earlier on the card, Buick smoked the field aboard Blue Point ๐ฎ๐ช in the $250,000 Meydan Sprint, beating the nearest challenger Faatinah with Jim Crowley by five lengths over 1000m (5F). The five-year old son of Shamardal ๐บ๐ธ, who won the Group 1 King's Stand Stakes at Ascot last summer, is now aiming at the Al Quoz Sprint during the upcoming Dubai World Cup ๐ night on March 30.
“He’s a nice horse, this fellow. Not having been fully tuned up, he ran well," Appleby said. "He’s not overly exposed, really. Last year, he wasn’t over-raced. It’s going to be a fun season for him.”
Enjoy action shots from Meydan racing on Dubai World Cup Carnival 7th meeting !๐
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with a double clear and fast time of 43.12 seconds in the second round. Some 0.66 seconds behind was Evelina Tovek of Sweden ๐ธ๐ช on Dalila de la Pomme ๐ฅ, edging off Janika Sprunger of Switzerland ๐จ๐ญon Bacardi VDL with a razor thin margin of 0.01 sec ๐ฅ. Enjoy action shots from the Grand Prix on Sharjah Ruler Cup! ๐
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๐. Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden ๐ธ๐ช came second ๐ฅon Peter Pan ahead of Ramzy Al Duhami of Saudi Arabia ๐ธ๐ฆ on Ted ๐ฅ. Enjoy action shots from the show on Al Shira'aa International Horse Show 2019 ๐ ]]>
Shaking off defending champion and Godolphin Mile (G2) winner Heavy Metal, as well as UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) winner Gold Town, Burj Nahaar (G3) winner Kimbear and Godolphin Mile runner-up Muntazah, the seven-year old son of Dubawi won for the sixth time in 16 starts and first time since winning the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (G1) on Super Saturday last March in similar fashion over subsequent Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Thunder Snow.
The victory provided some consolation for the winner’s connections, as his last two disappointing efforts—a 10th in the Dubai World Cup and third in last year’s edition of this race—were caused by poor starts.
“That’s the way he is,” trainer Satish Seemar said. “I was telling (Mullen) to let him do his thing. We had the right draw. If he pops out, just don’t stop him. I know when he’s in form like that, he’s so good. About 10 days ago, we jumped him out of the gate, just to wake him up and he did it exactly the same way. I wasn’t worried about (Heavy Metal). After (North America) broke like he did, I had no worries. His stride is about 1½ compared to other horses. He could have set a track record today, but no one was there to challenge him. He’ll go to (Al Maktoum Challenge) Round 2.”
“Unbelievable,” Mullen added. “I just said to the boss (Seemar) that there are not a lot of horses who give me goosebumps and he has done that. It was an incredible performance for his first run (this season). He has such a huge stride. I think anything that comes near, he has that much pace that he just kills them off."
Enjoy action shots from the race meet on Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 ! ๐๐๐
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The bull's massive body followed moving slowly through a large crowd of spectators, some perched in safety of the high ground while others sit on the ground and camping chairs inside the ring in a wadi lined with shrubs, ghaf and palm trees, oblivious to dangers posed by the fight-blinded animal.
Three local men dressed in traditional white and grey robes and wearing colourful silk scarves in a turban stand next to the bull. One waves a short traditional wooden stick called assa behind the bull's rump to keep it moving, while others tug on thick ropes attached to its large nostrils and horns to keep the heavy animal under control.
Reaching the middle of the fighting ring, the bull slowly comes to a halt as if he is saving his energy for what is to follow. That gives his handlers a chance to hastily untie ropes as the animal’s adversary approaches. Other men appear skipping around the bull, throwing sand on the seemingly indifferent animal to motivate it.
For a moment, the bull remains completely still, its bulging eyes fixated on its rival. Fresh coastal air fuelled with tension takes the place hostage.
Suddenly, the beast’s powerful neck muscles contract as it leaps forward with brute force, its bulky head gliding low above the dusty ground and sharp curved horns aiming at its now dangerously close enemy.
The place reverberates with shouting coupled with a steady flow of a football match-like commentary coming from the loud speaker another man carries on his shoulder. The fight was on.
But it was not a matter of life or death as the quickly moving target in front of the charging bull was not the red cape of a matador, or the killer of bulls, as bullfighters are known in Spain. It was his equal.
Another more than a half-a-ton beast that, at the same moment, thrust its robust body forward to lock horns with the attacker, kicking up a cloud of dirt in this simple arena in the ancient port city of Sohar.
The origins of bull fights in Oman ๐ด๐ฒ are uncertain. Some believe it came with Portuguese conquerors, who set up a string of coastal forts along the Strait of Hormuz to control trade from the Gulf in the 16th century. Others say it first emerged in Oman’s farmlands without any link to the Portuguese invasion.
At 4p.m. on some Saturday afternoons, this dusty stretch of land near Sohar's beach comes alive with dozens of cars, spectators and bull owners bringing their prized animals for the fight. The champion fights take place in a more spectacular arena in Sohar on some Fridays and in a number of other places across Oman such as another coastal city of Barka, a shorter drive from Muscat.
Preparing bulls for their fighting career starts when the animals are around five or six months old. Their first encounter with the arena is between the age of two and five. Some bull owners take their warriors for regular beach walk routines to grow their muscles, feeding them with dates, cereals and even dried fish.
The simple rules state that the first animal to run away is declared the loser. There can also be a partial winner or a draw if neither bull concedes ground.
During the fight, one man runs around the charging animals at close quarters with his curved wooden stick, making sure ropes attached to their legs do not entangle them.
Around four men jump in at the end of each fight, grabbing the ropes to drag the bulls apart while throwing sand at the winner. Injuries like cuts are a common occurrence in the fights.
As all bulls are given names, their performance is tracked on the YouTube platform which is flooded with hundreds of recordings showing bulls fighting and training.
Owners divide their bulls into levels to make sure only animals with equal chances are entered in fights. Once the animal becomes a winner, its value increases and its selling price continues to increase after each win.
While young bulls can be bought for as little as 1000 rials ($2,592), the best fighters can command prices of between 25,000 to 50,000 rials $65,000-$130,000). An Omani champion bull called Nar Aljamahir, or (Fire of the People), is revered across the coast.
Enjoy action images from the event on Oman bull fighting ! ๐
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Enjoy more action shots from the series on Pakistan vs New Zealand Test series ! ๐
Enjoy more action shots on Pakistan vs Newzealand cricket ! ๐
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This time, I wanted to get a different, unusual perspective of racing at Meydan so I experimented with bird view shots both when riders entered the tunnel under the turf track and shooting from one of the top floors of the massive grandstand in combination of having a remote camera mounted on a ground plate under the rail triggered by Pocket Wizard Multi Max II.
One of the backstretch shots yielded a nice view of galloping horses with the quarantine stables towering above the track in the distance.
Enjoy more action images on Meydan Racing 2 ! ๐๐ฆ๐ช
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“He was brave in the closing stages as he was getting tired,” Beasley said.
Dehbashi with Dane O'Neil was third a further length behind.
Here New Trails (golden silks and cap) gallops into the first turn. Enjoy more action shots from the night on Meydan 1st Race Meeting ! ๐๐ฆ๐ช
For more shots from the race please see Dalma 2018.
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It has been very busy two weeks. More images from the WEG coming soon! Enjoy more jumping action shots at WEG Jumping link!]]>
The nine-year old son of the 2007 Epsom Derby champion Authorized is the last year's Velka Pardubicka winner.
In the end, No Time To Lose prevailed over Theophilos by one and a half lenght in the third of four Pardubicka qualifiers, coming home in 07:31,99 over 5,800m with Eldorado and Rostislav Bens a distant third.
Both No Time To Lose and Theophilos are trained by a legendary jockey Josef Vana, who won Velka Pardubicka record eight times as a rider and 10 times as a trainer. Some 23 horses have already qualified for Pardubicka so far.
Velka Pardubicka, run over 6,900 m and 31 challenging fences, is sometimes described as the toughest steeplechase in Europe after the Grand National at Aintree. It was first run as far back as 1874.
]]>I really enjoyed shooting the Nations Cup for the FEI again with water and horse 'graffiti' oxer my favourite jumps. Hungarian jumping fans created a fantastic atmosphere that made the whole event even more special. Thank you FEI!
You can read more about the event on https://www.fei.org/stories/budapest-nations-cup-2018
Welcome to my new site of top action shots!
Many thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy your time here!
You can easily search all images by keywords to find what you like.
For more information about my work, to get in touch regarding assignments, or to just say hello, feel free to email me on [email protected] any time.
Here's a short horse racing animation I created for the website launch. The firing-away shutter sound is 12 fps of my Nikon D5 beast.
Enjoy!
Martin
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