In the exciting world of horse racing, where adrenaline meets elegance, Caroline Joyce Seemar stands out not only as the wife of UAE champion trainer and 2024 Dubai World Cup winner Bhupat Seemar, but as a formidable presence in an industry largely dominated by men.

Caroline’s life is a testament to her passion for racehorses – an attribute she brings to every role she fills at Dubai’s renowned Zabeel Stables – from being a wife and mother to being an exercise rider.

Balancing the demands of family life with the challenges of working with high quality racehorses in Dubai’s competitive equestrian scene, she personifies grace under pressure.

Lifelong habit

Her passion for horses goes back to her roots in Tipperary, Ireland, where her family was deeply rooted in the breeding and training of racehorses.

“My parents were breeders, jockeys and trainers. My mother, Louise, was an accomplished jockey, so I was naturally drawn to horses from a young age,” recalls Caroline. “Growing up in a house like ours, there was nowhere to go yet with what everyone does and loves to do After being exposed to horses from a young age I knew I always wanted to be a jockey.

“In my teens I was an apprentice jockey to Joh Oxx (a legendary Irish handler). In the off-season I would go to America to gain experience. It was during my second year there, in 2000, that I met Bhupat and that’s when things “changed forever. We’ve been together ever since,” she says.

Now, in one of her many roles as an exercise rider, Caroline enjoys working directly with the horses, a hands-on role that allows her to stay in touch with her commitment to riding.

Balancing multiple roles is no easy feat, but Caroline seems to handle it with ease. “It comes through extreme organization and good timing,” she says. “We make it all happen with early starts and a focus on good health.”

Working closely with Bhupat is a unique experience and their shared commitment to horses has strengthened not only their careers but also their bond as a couple.

“We breathe, sleep and think about horse racing, which in a way allows us to do what we do,” she says, explaining that this shared purpose keeps them close and focused on their goals. “If I had a different job, we would have lived separate lives. But thankfully I don’t. This is what I love and live for,

At Zabeel Stables, Caroline plays a significant role. She combines her deep understanding of a horse’s unique temperament and needs with a fine-tuned sense of understanding and care to ensure they achieve their full potential.

With his daughter, Shyla

Best care

Caroline’s keen eye for detail, combined with her hands-on approach, often helps to identify even the most subtle changes in a horse’s behaviour, condition or mood. These insights enable the team to tailor training schedules and meet each horse’s specific needs to ensure they are at their best when they arrive at the racetrack.

Zabeel Stables, a name synonymous with excellence, is built on a foundation of teamwork, trust and relentless commitment, and Caroline is a crucial player within this perfect framework. Her close coordination with Bhupat has helped cultivate an environment where both horses and staff can excel. 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 that everything is done as a team, with each member playing their part. We could not have achieved what we have without them. And we are extremely grateful.”

When asked about her husband’s qualities and what contributed to him becoming a UAE Champion trainer and Dubai World Cup winner, Caroline’s admiration for him shines through.

“He’s someone who never gives up,” she says. “He will keep trying until he gets it right. His love and loyalty to the game inspires everyone around him. This determination makes us push hard and dream big for the future of Zabeel Stables.”

Their dreams came true when they won one of the most coveted races in the world at just 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. We feel very blessed to see that these things are possible. It’s incredible to have these opportunities in Dubai and to be so lucky to achieve them.”

In addition to her career at Zabeel Stables, Caroline spent nine years directing the Equestrian Association for People of Determination (EAPD), a therapeutic riding program for children with special needs. Created by Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who donated three horses to the initiative, the program provided Caroline with some of the most fulfilling experiences of her life.

The gift of joy

“It was incredibly rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life and see these kids improve and find joy,” she says. “It was a fantastic time in my life. I learned a lot there. Many, many amazing things happened to children with special needs. It was amazing to be able to make a difference in someone’s life. I had a good time for nine years, we achieved a lot during that time.”

Caroline hopes to pass on her passion for horses to the next generation, especially her daughter.

“Racing takes up a lot of time, but we make it a family affair,” she shares, highlighting how her close friend’s children enjoy collecting trophies with Bhupat and seeing their pictures in magazines and online. “It inspires them, and that’s how their love for the sport grows.”

Caroline’s journey illustrates that a life with horses is about much more than just racing; it is a testament to hard work, teamwork and family, built on a foundation of shared dreams and love.

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