Dubai: Emirati handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe has once again thrown down the gauntlet to rival Dhruba Selvaratnam ahead of Jebel Ali Racecourse’s final race meeting of the season on Friday.
Haatheq and Forjatt, the respective trainers’ stable flagbearers, square off in the 1,800-metre Shadwell Farm-sponsored feature race on a competitive-looking six-race card that brings the curtain down on another eventful season at the popular family racecourse.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the sponsors for the races, Al Raihe took the opportunity to humourously tease resident Jebel Ali handler Selvaratnam.
“Forjatt is a good horse who has posted some big wins this season, but Haatheq will still beat him when they meet on Friday,” Al Raihe said in response to a question from Yasir Mabrouk, ERA representative.
“Haatheq may be nine years old but he is as good as he ever was and I think he’s virtually unbeatable up the hill here at Jebel Ali Racecourse. It will be interesting to see how they measure up against each other, but I still believe my horse will win.”
Selvaratnam has pulled off a noteworthy training feat to keep Forjatt fit and healthy as well, which has seen the eight-year-old romp to victories in the HH The President Cup and National Day Cup at Abu Dhabi this season.
Forjatt, who has won for of his 15 career starts at Jebel Ali, also won the Jebel Ali Mile in 2014.
Both horses share top weight of 59.5kg although Forjatt is rated marginally higher than Haatheq.
“It looks an interesting race, but perhaps Haatheq will be hard to beat on his present form,” acknowledged Selvaratnam, “Forjatt has had a remarkable season as well and we couldn’t be happier with him. It will be nice to see him end the season on a high note on Friday.”
Al Raihe was full of praise for UAE-based handler Doug Watson, who leads the trainer’s champion, along with Musabah Al Muhairi, Helel Al Alwai, Nacer Samiri, Ahmad Bin Harmash and Abdullah Al Hammadi.
“I think this has been a very special season for UAE-based trainers, who have performed at the highest level,” Al Raihe said. “The results that they have achieved prove that trainer who operate on the UAE circuit are capable of competing against the best in the world, provided they have the right horses.
“There is so much to look forward to next season and the year after. It will be more and more competitive which is great for the sport that we’re in.”
Meanwhile, Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of the Office of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, stressed that Jebel Ali Racecourse has played a significant role in the overall development of racing in the UAE.
“Shaikh Hamdan has assured us that he will continue to support the race meets at Jebel Ali Racecourse in return for its contribution to the overall image of racing in UAE where the standards, facilities and entertainment offered by the racecourse is second to none.
“Shaikh Hamdan is proud of the reputation that the venue has maintained which makes him more eager to continue his support.”
Shareef Al Halawani, Manager Jebel Ali Racecourse and representatives of the sponsors were also present at the press conference.
The races
2pm School Transports Services Handicap
2.30pm Roma Capannelle Racecourse Italy Handicap
3pm Shadwell Farm Handicap
3.30pm CBD Handicap
4pm Al Shafar Investment Handicap
4.30pm Tom Creech LLC Handicap
