Dubai: Jebel Ali Racecourse has served up some exciting contests this season but Friday’s Dh500,000 Listed Jebel Ali Sprint has the potential to set pulses racing even higher.
A high-quality field of 11 speedballs have been declared to contest the feature event, which is sponsored by Shadwell. A long-time supporter of racing at Jebel Ali Racecourse, Shadwell is the thoroughbred horse racing operation of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
Heading the field is Sholaan, who is trained at the course by Dhruba Selvaratnam, a five-time winner of the 1,000-metre event. The five-year-old faces several old foes including Russian Rock, Kilt Rock, Mujaazef, Murbeh, Spin Cycle, Shaishee and Fityaan.
The Sprint is the third and final black-type race run at the track following the Jebel Ali Stakes and Jebel Ali Mile.
Commenting on Shadwell’s commitment to sponsoring races at Jebel Ali Racecourse, Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s office, told a press conference on Tuesday: “The Jebel Ali Sprint is one of the premier races staged at Jebel Ali Racecourse and Shaikh Hamdan is delighted to support and sponsor the race through his Shadwell operation.”
Al Sayegh was also full of praise for the Jebel Ali Racecourse management and wished all the trainers and jockeys success at the meeting. He also encouraged racing fans and the local community to continue to support Jebel Ali Racecourse. Other sponsors of the six-race card include Charles T. Creech Inc., Al Shafar Investment, Commercial Bank of Dubai, SIS and Serve U.
Paul Tunstall, Business Development Manager, highlighted Serve U’s 12-year association with Jebel Ali Racecourse and said: “As part of our corporate social responsibility programme we believe in assisting the wider community to enjoy greater benefits and facilities.
“Therefore what better way than to sponsor a race at Jebel Ali Racecourse, which the wider community can enjoy.
Tunstall also commended Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, and the racecourse management for “providing memorable entertainment to the public for over many years on their race days”.
Karthi Selvaratnam, representing Charles T Creech Inc, Kentucky, USA, said: “On behalf of Tom Creech, I would like to thank Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the entire Maktoum Family, Shareef Halawani and the Jebel Ali Racecourse for giving Charles T Creech the opportunity to be involved in what is a world-class racing operation.
“Charles T Creech has a enjoyed a relationship with the Maktoum Racing Empire for over 20 years and to be a part of Jebel Ali race meetings, further strengthens this wonderful relationship.”
