Dubai: With stars in his eyes, he said: "I cannot move. I have no sensation in my limbs, but once those horses begin to race, I can feel the rush of adrenalin in my veins."
Sudanese Mutaz Abdul Rahman continued to wax eloquent about his love for horses, "The mere vision of those stallion's hoofs pounding the ground, a mix of fury and glory, binding both past and future together, in the rushing wind is a treat that elevates me from all my sorrows."
The emotions evoked by watching horses race are a source of upliftment for Abdul Rahman's spirits for sadly he is a quadriplegic. Happily for Abdul Rahman, the organizers of the Dubai World Cup have reached out to try and fulfil his dream by helping him attend the event today.
A big fan of horse racing, Abdul Rahman had always evinced a wish to attend the Dubai World Cup. He wanted to see the horses from up-close, though he could not afford to buy a ticket to attend before.
"I would love to go to the Dubai World Cup," confessed the 44-year-old horse lover. "I tried to attend last year, but I did not buy a ticket." He admitted, however, that the officials allowed him entrance without a ticket.
Fulfilling wishes
"I wanted to watch the Dubai World Cup more than any other event," confessed Abdul Rahman. "The officials allowed me into the racecourse, but after that wherever I went I was asked for a ticket which was getting to be an inconvenience to me."
On hearing the news, Frank Gabriel Jr, CEO, Dubai Racing Club told Gulf News that they would endeavour to fulfil Abdul Rahman's wishes by offering him a special ticket to attend the Dubai World Cup today.
"Abdul Rahman will be offered a special ticket to attend the races and enjoy himself," said Gabriel Jr. adding that the World Cup festivities were open to all. "We have adequate arrangements for people with special needs. They can come and enjoy the day's programme."
Most welcome
Gabriel Jr also said that a special-needs vehicle could be sent to pick up Abdul Rahman from his home in Umm Al Quwain if he so wished. "Abdul Rahman and all other racing fans with special needs are most welcome to attend the Dubai World Cup today."
Abdul Rahman has planned to rent an RTA vehicle from Umm Al Quwain today. "I usually do that, in case I need to go to hospital or any other place," he said.
Abdul Rahman was paralysed due to a severe fall when he was 32 years old in 1999. "It was my destiny," he confessed. His mother and brother are, however a great source of support and are always by his side.
"I'm very thankful to the organisers of the Dubai World Cup for helping me attend today's event and to see the horses running and moving closely," he said excitedly.
Looking at Abdul Rahman smiling broadly one could not help but envisage his dream of running freely like the wind which brushes the foreheads of the horses he longs to see.
