Dubai: Forjatt, winner of the last two runnings of the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, is set to return to Jebel Ali Racecourse for a rematch with the five horses who finished behind him in the contest 12 months ago.
Silver Galaxy, who finished runner-up on that occasion but was later awarded the race after Forjatt was disqualified for testing positive for a prohibited substance, returns along with Shamaal Nibras (3rd), Mawhub (4th), Jayed Jidan (5th) and Ennobled Friend (6th) to have a shot at the Dh 575,000 purse.
Resident Jebel Ali Stables handler Dhruba Selvaratnam thinks Forjatt can make amends and set the record straight iwht a third consecutive victory on Friday.
“He’s in good form and I couldn’t be happier with him,” said the former UAE champion handler during a sponsor’s press conference on Tuesday. “The race is getting stronger every year, but we’re expecting a big run from him.”
An eight-year-old by Iffraaj, Forjatt is seeking a third success for the season following the National Day Cup at Abu Dhabi last month and the Jebel Ali Mile Prep earlier this month.
Selvaratnam’s stable jockey chris Hayes, who was on board on both those occasions, believes the gelding has a big chance to win on Friday,
“He’s had an uninterrupted preparation and has improved from race to race,” said Hayes, a former two-time champion apprentice in Ireland.
“He’s running against some nice horses, but he’s drawn well [Gate 4] and I’m really looking for to the race.”
The press conference, which was chaired by Shareef Halawani, Manager, Jebel Ali Racecourse, was attended by representatives of the sponsors including chief sponsor Shadwell’s representative Abdullah Al Ansari.
Newbury Racecourse UK, who have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Jebel Ali Racecourse, will also sponsor one of the six races on the card.
Julian Thick, Chief Executive of Newbury Racecourse, who was not present said in a press release: “The relationship between Newbury and the UAE is a very strong one, built upon mutual respect and a deep love for the horse and for the sport of racing around the world.
“I would like to thank Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum [Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security] and His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh for inviting us to be involved in this race meeting and for their continued and extremely generous support of Newbury Racecourse.
“Our support of Arabian racing remains as strong as ever and we continue to stage more Arabian races than any other course in the UK. We are looking forward especially to Dubai International Arabian Raceday on 24th July, the highlight of our Arabian Racing season, which also gives this wonderful sport a major focal point in the European calendar, with an incredible three Group 1 races on one day.
“It will, as always, be a great pleasure for us to welcome Shareef Al Halawani and his excellent team from Jebel Ali back to Newbury Racecourse in July, for what I am sure will be a memorable day. I look forward to Friday’s race meeting and to sampling once again the unique atmosphere at this superb racecourse.”
