Dubai
As Jebel Ali Racecourse prepares to stage its final meeting of the 2017-2018 UAE racing season on Friday, the popular venue has come in for generous praise from its chief patron.
Speaking on behalf of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, Mirza Al Sayegh said: “Shaikh Hamdan is pleased that Jebel Ali Racecourse has once more created a significant impact on the racing community during the season.
“Shaikh Hamdan has said that he is committed to supporting the racecourse, wherever possible, to help the sport grow and widen its appeal.”
Jebel Ali Racecourse, which was built in 1990 following the instruction of Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, has staged ten meetings this season.
Friday’s finale features a interesting six-race card that is highlighted by the Jebel Ali Classic (Silver Jubilee) Stakes over 1,400m which is sponsored by Shadwell Farm, the breeding arm of Shaikh Hamdan’s racing empire.
“Shaikh Hamdan has asked me to convey his best wishes to the team at Jebel Ali Racecourse for all the work they have put in this season which has ensured that the racecourse has remained at the forefront of racing in the UAE,” said Mirza.
“Jebel Ali has its unique appeal and the action on the track has been of the highest possible level. We have seen many memorable races run at this wonderful racecourse and I’m sure we will see even more such exciting races in the future.
“Shaikh Hamdan has been a big supporter of the racecourse all through the season, under the banner of Shadwell and its affiliated stud farms around the world and has promised to continue this association with Jebel Ali Racecourse during the next season, which is something we can all look forward to with confidence and enthusiasm.”
Friday’s card features races sponsored by Shadwell, Derrinstown Stud, American University in Dubai and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.
Shareef Al Halawani, Chairman of the Racecourse, thanked Shaikh Hamdan for his strong support and said: “When you have the support of somebody as influential and as committed as Shaikh Hamdan you can reap the benefits.
“The challenge has always been sustainability and this is what we the management hope to achieve each season and I believe that we have succeeded in this regard this season.
“We still have one race meeting to go and we look forward to ending the season on a high at Jebel Ali before we start planning for the next year,” he added.
“But thanks to our supporters and sponsors it makes our life a lot easier and more enjoyable for the many regular fans who make our racing what it is.”
