I thought that the new racing season made a perfect start this weekend with Jebel Ali Racecourse and Sharjah, two very similar themed venues, hosting back-to-back meetings.

Despite the attention Meydan garners given the sheer scale of its racing, and perhaps rightly so, Jebel Ali and Sharjah, like Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, have an obvious charm of their own.

Creating the perfect ambience is not an easy task, but the Jebel Ali management have made it a look so effortless. Over the years the venue has had a big impact on race goers and traditionally attracts 10,000 fans to each meeting.

Attendance is a huge factor. Without a crowd what would the racing at Goodwood or York be like?

Racing remains one of the most entertaining sports in terms of prestige and history. It routinely brings together the best horses and horsemen and present day race programs offers top class and competitive racing.

So when the thousands turn up at Jebel Ali they get the full deal. Ever effort has been taken by the organisers to maximise the venue’s full potential and to take it to the forefront of the racing scene.

Part of the charm at Jebel Ali has to be the entertainment that is provided between races, which includes thrill-seeking skydivers, colourful heritage dancers, horse parades and comedians.

And not forgetting the prizes that are given away at each race meeting. You could come racing and find yourself driving home with a new micro wave oven or even a television set. Rewarding regulars to Jebel Ali is a prominent platform that the organisers use to position themselves as a Family Racecourse. And you can’t go wrong with that strategy. Can you.

By providing another dimension to the day’s racing it ensures that the patrons are able to enjoy themselves as well and at the same time feel special when they win a gift or get lucky with the popular competitions.

But this is just one part of establishing the atmosphere. Most of us like surprises and while the racing itself does provide us with more than a fair share of surprise winners, creating the illusion of total escape is what makes an event even more out of the ordinary.

The Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club has taken a leaf out of Jebel Ali’s book and their management bring a lot of fun to the meetings. It’s different and distinctive, and a lot of fun.

True, the racing might not attract big name horses but this is where ordinary horses get the chance to shine. This is where you see more smiling faces at the racecourse than you would at a comedy show. It’s enjoyable all around, and you can tell.