Fun at Jebel Ali racecourse

Dubai: The Jebel Ali racecourse is the place to be today with the racecourse management planning to stage big Eid festivities.

Officials announced earlier this week that more than 20,000 gifts will be distributed to racegoers with mobile phones and electronic items among prizes that can be won against free coupons which will distributed at the gates.

Engineer Sharief Al Halawani, head of the Jebel Ali racecourse management, promised a fun day for all.

"We hope to make everyone happy," he said. "The children will have our full attention. We have provided special areas for them to play and entertain themselves under the watchful eyes of our staff."

But Al Halawani urged racegoers to cooperate with the racecourse management. "The safety of the children, as well as the horses and jockeys, are of great importance for us. We request people to follow the rules while enjoying the day."

Today's races are sponsored by Derrinstown Stud, Al Yaqoub Group, Al Shafar Investments, Dubai Commercial Bank, Al Shafar Group and Bin Blaila Contracting.

The best turned out horses competition for the six races is sponsored by Dubai Information and Horseracing Centre (DIAHC).

The groom of each winner will receive Dh1,000 expect for the feature race which carries a prize of Dh2,000.

The popular Pick six and tri cast competitions are worth Dh65,000 in prizemoney. A free bus service to transport spectators from the car park to the grand stand is available.