Dubai: Mirza Al Sayegh has assured that Jebel Ali Racecourse will continue to receive the full support of its principal patron, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, in the coming seasons.
Speaking at the end-of-season get-together, Al Sayegh, who is the Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s office, praised the quality of racing that took place at the venue and its role in helping raise the profile of UAE racing in general.
Al Sayegh said: “Shaikh Hamdan has reiterated his commitment towards the support of horse racing at Jebel Al Racecourse and is impressed with the popularity it enjoys, thanks to the good administration that has been put in place.
“Shaikh Hamdan has supported Jebel Ali Racecourse for many years and has pledged that he will continue to do so in the future.
“Jebel Ali Racecourse is very successful and it is amazing to witness the high quality of racing that takes place at this popular weekend venue,” he added.
“It is indeed a pleasure to support the racecourse and we hope that it will continue to offer a unique vibrancy to the UAE racing scene.
“The race meetings held at the venue build a real sense of community as it brings together locals, expatriates and visitors from all walks of life and is a great asset to the emirate.”
Al Sayegh revealed that Shaikh Hamdan’s support to Jebel Ali will be handed out through his thoroughbred operations — Shadwell, Shadwell Farm and Derrinstown Stud.
He also thanked all the sponsors, including the Al Shafar Group, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Al Habtoor Motors, Arabian Scandinavian Insurance Company and Bemco Group, for their continued support.
Al Sayegh said their support helped bolster the level of competition and imbue the event with greater professionalism and quality.
Jebel Ali Racecourse staged 12 meetings during the 2012-2013 UAE racing season.
Addressing the gathering of sponsors, officials, guests and media on behalf of Major-General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, Jebel Ali Racecourse Manager Sharif Al Halawani thanked Shaikh Hamdan for his generous support of racing at the venue.
He also thanked Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the Emirates Racing Authority, officials and the general public.
Al Halawani presented commemorative mementos to representatives of the sports, officials and media.
