Storm hits Jebel Ali racecourse

Dubai: A heavy sandstorm forced the postponement of Friday's Jebel Ali races to next weekend.

The races were scheduled to begin at 2.15pm but a blinding dust storm swept the racecourse causing concern among officials of the meet.

After initially pushing back the start by 15 minutes, the Stewards of the course announced that the meeting had been called off and will be held next Friday.

Several senior jockeys including Richard Hills, Willie Supple, Kieren Fallon and Richard Mullen were involved in discussions with the Stewards before the decision was taken.

Visibility at the venue was very poor with some parts of the race course almost blanked out by the dust and debris that the storm had whipped up.

The feature event of yesterday's races was the Listed Jebel Ali Mile.