In the exhilarating world of horse racing, where excitement meets sophistication, Caroline Joyce Seemar stands out not just as the wife of UAE champion trainer and 2024 Dubai World Cup winner Bhupat Seemar, but as a powerful figure in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Caroline's journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for racehorses, a passion she brings to every role she undertakes at Dubai's prestigious Zabeel Stables—from being a wife and mother to serving as an exercise rider.
Balancing family life with the rigors of working with top-tier racehorses in Dubai's competitive equestrian landscape, she epitomizes grace under pressure. Caroline's love for horses traces back to her roots in Tipperary, Ireland, where her family was deeply involved in breeding and training racehorses. 'My parents were breeders, jockeys, and trainers. My mum, Louise, was an accomplished jockey, so I was naturally drawn to horses from a young age,' Caroline recalls. 'Having been exposed to horses from a young age, I knew I always wanted to be a jockey.'
In her teens, she apprenticed under the legendary Irish handler Joh Oxx. During the off-season, she traveled to America to gain experience, where she met Bhupat in 2000, changing her life forever. Now, as an exercise rider, Caroline relishes working directly with the horses, a hands-on role that keeps her connected to her love for riding. Balancing multiple roles is challenging, but Caroline manages it with ease, attributing it to 'extreme organization and good timekeeping.'
Working closely with Bhupat, their shared commitment to horses has not only strengthened their careers but also their bond. 'We breathe, sleep, and think of horse racing, which allows us to do what we do,' she says. At Zabeel Stables, Caroline combines her deep understanding of horses with a finely tuned sense of care to ensure they reach their full potential. Her keen eye for detail often helps identify subtle changes in a horse's behavior, fitness, or mood, allowing the team to adapt training regimens accordingly.
Zabeel Stables, known for its excellence, is built on teamwork, trust, and relentless dedication, with Caroline as a key player. Her close coordination with Bhupat fosters an environment where both horses and staff can thrive. Caroline embodies the spirit of Zabeel Stables, where her role is both a labor of love and a pursuit of success. 'It's about teamwork,' she emphasizes. 'Bhupat would be the first to tell you it's all done as a team.'
Caroline's admiration for Bhupat shines through when discussing his qualities that led to his success. 'He's someone who never gives up,' she says. 'His love and loyalty to the game inspire everyone around him.' Their dreams came true when they won the 2024 Dubai World Cup on their third attempt. 'Winning the 2024 Dubai World Cup with Laurel River was a dream come true,' says Caroline. 'For Bhupat to achieve that win early in his training career was incredible.'
In addition to her work at Zabeel Stables, Caroline dedicated nine years to managing the Equestrian Association for People of Determination (EAPD), a therapeutic riding program for children with special needs. 'It was incredibly rewarding to make a difference in someone's life and see these children improve and find joy,' she says. Caroline hopes to pass down her passion for horses to the next generation, particularly her daughter. 'Racing takes up a lot of time, but we make it a family affair,' she shares.
Caroline's journey illustrates that a life with horses is about much more than just racing; it's a testament to hard work, teamwork, and family, built on a foundation of shared dreams and love.
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