Mansour will direct racing in UAE

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a decree yesterday creating a new body to govern horse racing the Emirates Racing Authority and named Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, as its Chairman.

Saeed Humaid Al Tayer has been named as the Vice Chairman with Ahmad Abdullah Al Shaikh and Al Maleeh Lahej Al Basti named as members of the body, which will be affiliated to the Council of Ministers.

The new body will take over the organising of all horse races in the UAE in accordance with international standards. It will also be responsible for the promotion of horse races, breeding programmes and issues relating to ownership of horses.

Apart from organising race meetings, the Emirates Racing Authority will also regulate other aspects like licensing of racecourses, jockeys, technicians, stable crew and allied matters.

It will also have the responsibility to educate the public about this sport and help in spreading it.

It will be responsible for carrying out relevant tests, registering horses in addition to accrediting colours and emblems.

The association's tasks also include registration of race horses born in the UAE and issuing their passports, coordination with international race bodies with regard to registration and licensing of horses, trainers and jockeys and making the seasonal race schedules.