Dubai: Jebel Ali Racecourse, one of the most popular flat racing venues in the UAE, launch their silver jubilee celebrations by hosting the opening meeting of the 2016-2017 UAE racing season on Friday.
The six-race card, which commences at 2.15pm, features five competitive handicap races and a maiden’s race.
Shadwell, a long time supporter of Jebel Ali Racecourse, return to sponsor the feature race of the afternoon, a 1,000 metre sprint which carries a purse of Dh105,000. A strong field of 13 sprinters will line up to face the starter.
Friday’s event is the first of 11 meetings that the track will host during the season which culminates with the much-anticipated Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan Racecourse on March 25, 2017.
The action moves to the Sharjah Racecourse on Saturday, October 29 while Meydan Racecourse stage their first meeting on Thursday, November 3.
Abu Dhabi Racecourse begin their season on Sunday November 6, while Al Ain Racecourse hosts its first meeting on Friday November 18.
Besides Jebel Ali’s packed programme, the UAE racing season will include 10 meetings at Al Ain Racecourse, 15 at Abu Dhabi Racecourse, six at Sharjah Racecourse and 20 at Meydan Racecourse.
Speaking at a press conference, Mirza Al Sayegh, director of the office of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, said: “Shaikh Hamdan is delighted to continue his support of racing at Jebel Ali through his breeding operation, Shadwell, and its associates.
“Racing has thrived at Jebel Ali over the years and we look forward to another outstanding season in this Silver Jubilee year.
Shareef Al Halawani, Director of Jebel Ali Racecourse, used the occasion to thank all the sponsors who have contributed towards the venue’s growth and success. “On behalf of Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, who with his vision built this racecourse in 1990, we would like to extend our thanks to Shaikh Hamdan, our principal patron and all the family of sponsors who have supported us all these years.
Friday’s six races will be sponsored by Shadwell, Shadwell Farm, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Al Shafar Investment, Serve U and Al Talal Engineering.
Shaikh Ahmad built Jebel Ali Racecourse and the adjoining stable in 1990. He appointed Dhruba Selvaratnam, who was formerly based in Ireland, as the resident trainer.
Selvaratnam is a four-time UAE champion trainer. He holds the record for saddling the most number of winners in a season with 67.
Horse race meeting for 2016-17 season
Racecourse Meetings
Meydan 20
Abu Dhabi 15
Jebel Ali 11
Al Ain 10
Sharjah 6
Total 62
