Dubai: Jebel Ali Racecourse is set to stage Friday’s Group 3 Jebel Stakes, one of the highlights of the season, with the support of Shadwell and its associates.
An impressive Dh955,000 is on offer in the afternoon’s six races, which are also supported by Roma Capannelle Racecourse (Hippo Group) Italy, Marsh Insurance Company, Newbury Racecourse and Derrinstown Stud.
The meeting will also see the launch of a special initiative by Shadwell Chairman Mirza Al Sayegh, that focuses on children with special needs.
The model programme will provide a select group of children from the UAE Down Syndrome Association with the unique opportunity to witness racing at Jebel Ali, as special guests.
Sonia Al Hashmi, Chairman of the Association, thanked Al Sayegh for his “great initiative” and said that it supported a core belief that children with disabilities benefit the most from socialsing with their peers without special needs.
“It is important that you view all children with special needs as valuable members of society,” Al Hashmi said. “They are important not only to us but also to each other and I think being able to watch horse racing will be a marvellous experience for them.
“Animals have a special effect on children with disabilities and it is in settings like Jebel Ali Racecourse, which can have a far-reaching effect on helping each child reach his or her potential.
“I would like to sincerely thanks Mr Mirza Al Sayegh for giving us this opportunity to participate actively in this heritage sport, which we believe can be significantly educational.”
Meanwhile, Al Sayegh highlighted the supportive role played by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
“Shaikh Hamdan is committed through stud farms worldwide to be a sponsor of Jebel Ali Racecourse,” he said.
“His support of local and international racing will be represented by sponsorship here and also at Capanelle Racecourse. He has also appealed for more Arabian races to be held on the same day as thoroughbred races and says he is very proud and greatly appreciates the efforts of Newbury racecourse to promote Arabian racing.”
Livinio Gioffredi of Roma Capannelle Racecourse added: “This meeting marks 10 years co-operation between Roma Capannelle and Jebel Ali racecourse. It is a great relationship. We hope to continue this relationship and to develop the Purebred Arabian races too at our course, moving forward.”
Julian Thick of the Newbury Racecourse said: “Our relationship continues to grow with the UAE and, in 2014, we will host more Purebred Arabian races than any other racecourse in the United Kingdom. Our highlight is the Dubai International Raceday, which is very popular with everybody”.
Shareef Al Halawani, Director of Jebel Ali Racecourse, said that family areas for picnics and play areas for children will also be provided.
He revealed that a total of 130 gifts like televisions, mobile phones and home appliances will be raffled off during the races.
Additionaly, a Nissan Sunny will also be raffled off at the end of the sixth race against the sale of coupons priced at Dh10.
