Write For Us

ERNST OERTEL: AMPUTEE & UAE CHAMPION ARABIAN RACEHORSE TRAINER

Sponsored Post Vitamin D2 Canada Persia
82 Views
Published
Do you know the story of South African racehorse trainer Ernst Oertel?

Having lost his left leg just above the knee after falling from one of his horses in 2013, Oertel faces a unique set of challenges each day.  

A multi-Champion in the United Arab Emirates,Oertel has had a long career, training for a time in Newmarket, before taking over at the President’s Al Asayl stables in Abu Dhabi in 2012.

Moving on from Al Asayl after a spell on the sidelines, leading local owner-breeder Khalid Al Nabooda allowed Oertel to set up at Desert Stables, where he shares a track with Doug Watson, among others.

Oertel’s long-term partner is fellow G1-winning trainer Elise Jeanne, a talented handler in her own right. The pair help each other out, but you suspect there’s a healthy rivalry too. He has further support from his brother Karl, who is also a manager for Nabooda.

Racing purebred Arabians, including AF Maher who prevailed in the $1M USD Dubai Kahayla Classic at Meydan, Oertel commands respect with the UAE Championship split across Arabians and Thoroughbreds. 

Facilitates at his barn include a horse walker, treadmill and equine swimming pool, as well as a training track.  

So compelling is his story, that it inspired filmmaker Amanda Roxborough to make a documentary about him called Leg Up, winning the Equestrian Inspirational Documentary Award at the 2017 Equus Film Festival in New York.    

----------

About World Horse Racing:

We get you closer to the racing you love, taking you behind the scenes to meet the greatest trainers, jockeys and horses - along with the rising stars. And if you’re new to the sport, we’ll help you learn what makes horse racing such an unforgettable experience.

Facebook: /worldhorseracing
Twitter: @WHR
Instagram: @worldhorseracing
Category
Horse Racing
Sign in or sign up to post comments.
Be the first to comment