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Shareef Al Halawani, Racing Manager, Jebel Ali Racecourse, and representatives of the sponsors attend a press conference. Image Credit: Leslie Wilson Jr/ Gulf News

Dubai: Several hopefuls for the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes, one of three major races held at Jebel Ali Racecourse each season, will bid to advertise their claims when they contest the Shadwell Farm-sponsored feature race this weekend.

Farrier, representing the in-form Zabeel Stables of Satish Seemar, heads the quintet which also includes Jutland, Tanfeeth, Dormello and Izaaj.

Farrier won corresponding race last season at the track where Jutland and Tanfeeth chased him home. He subsequently finished a close third to Interpret in the big race while Jutland and Tanfeeth were fifth and sixth respectively.

The 1950 metre handicap is one of six races on the card which is supported by some of the racecourse’s pillar partners including Orient Irrigation Services, Al shafar Investment, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Frayland and ServeU.

Steven Bradford, ServeU’s Motor City Facilities and Operations Manager, discussed the company’s role in sponsoring racing at Jebel Ali.

“ServeU has been in existence for 29 years as Part of Thermo,” he told members of the media at a press conference yesterday (Tues). “We were floated as an independent company in 2002 and since that time we have been sponsoring a horse race here at Jebel Ali Racecourse and we hope to continue to do so for many years to come.

“As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility we believe in assisting the wider community to enjoy greater benefits and facilities.

“therefore what better way than to sponsor a race here at Jebel Ali Racecourse which the wider community can enjoy.”

Salem Al Sabousi, the UAE’s Racing Manager to Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, said: “Shadwell is delighted to support the main event and racing at Jebel Ali.

“Shaikh Hamdan has been closely associated with Jebel Ali Racecourse for a number of years, both as a sponsor through Shadwell Farm and its affiliates, and remains committed to continuing the partnership.”

Shareef Al Halawani, Jebel Ali Racecourse’s Racing Manager, said that all efforts have been made to ensure that racegoers enjoy an entertaining afternoon’s racing.

Besides the several competitions that are conducted each week at the venue, some top quality entertainers will perform between the races.

One of the highlights is the weekly car raffle with a KIA Picanto being raffled at the end of the sixth race against raffle coupons costing just Dh10.

The first race starts at 2:05 and the final race at 5:05pm.

Entrance to the racecourse is free.