Dubai: Jebel Ali Racecourse, whose brand is synonymous with high-quality racing, faultless facilities and the best family entertainment, has pledged that it is committed to building on its success during the forthcoming seasons.
Speaking at the annual end-of-season gala dinner, where the racecourse management honoured their pillar partners, Shareef Al Halawani, Jebel Ali Racecourse manager said: “As a pioneering racecourse venue, it is important to maintain the highest professional standards that Jebel Ali Racecourse is now recognised for in the UAE, the Middle East and the world.
“However, all this would not have been possible with the support of our family of sponsors, many of whom who have been with us from the very beginning and are still standing by our side.
“This have been a landmark year, a special year, for Jebel Ali Racecourse and the Jebel Ali Stables as we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary,” he added.
“We thank our chief patron Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, who created this fantastic racecourse and the adjoining stables in 1990.
“Jebel Ali Racecourse hosted its first ever meeting under UAE rules of racing in January, 1992 and has never looked back since. It has been a historical journey and we are proud of making a significant contribution to racing in the Emirates.”
Al Halawani also extended his gratitude to Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who has been a key patron and supporter of Jebel Ali Racecourse through his Shadwell breeding empire and its associates.
Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s Office, who has played an invaluable role in implementing and bringing to fruition Shaikh Hamdan’s patronage, was also present at the dinner.
Emphasising the importance of setting and maintaining high standards, Al Sayegh complimented Jebel Ali Racecourse and Jebel Ali Stables for their dedication to excellence.
“I would like to congratulate Jebel Ali on conducting another successful season,” he said. “Racing at Jebel Ali is a great spectator experience every time you visit it. The racing is always entertaining and overwhelming.
“Shaikh Hamdan has once again assured his backing for this wonderful venue that is celebrating a major milestone. Shadwell and his associates have been pillar partners of racing and together with the many partner companies that have supported racing,
“I’m sure Jebel Ali Racecourse can proudly look forward to another decade, and more, of the best racing and family entertainment.”
During the 2016-2017 UAE racing season Jebel Ali Racecourse hosted 12 meetings and 72 races overall. The average prize money distributed during the season was over Dh500,000 per race day, while the three signature races, the Jebel Ali Stakes, Jebel Ali Mile and Jebel Ali Sprint all carried prize money over half a million dirhams.
An estimated 120,000 racing fans attended the meetings with several hundred going home with prizes in cash, electronics and jewellery.
Jebel Ali will also host the inaugural meeting of the 2017-2018 racing season on Friday, November 3. It will be the first of 11 meeting that the venue will stage.
