Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, has reiterated his support for Jebel Ali Racecourse by committing to even more exciting initiatives for the next season.
Besides his traditional sponsorship of the feature race at each race meeting Shaikh Hamdan, one of the most influential owners and breeders in horseracing and breeding worldwide, will extend his support to three full race meetings.
The message was communicated by Mirza Al Sayegh, Director of Shaikh Hamdan’s office, during the Jebel Ali Racecourse end of season get-together at the Grand Hyatt on Monday evening.
Addressing a gathering comprising sponsors, officials and guests Al Sayegh said Shaikh Hamdan’s objective was to ensure that the venue receives the support necessary to take it to an even higher standard.
“His Highness Shaikh Hamdan has requested me to offer his thanks to all the sponsors who have been with us from day one at Jebel Ali Racecourse,” he said. “He very much appreciates the support and commitment of all the sponsors, which has continued to Jebel Ali Racecourse becoming one of the most popular and successful racing venues in the UAE if not the Middle East.
“He also extends his appreciation to the media, who have helped play a key role in popularising the racing and activities at Jebel Ali Racecourse.
“Shaikh Hamdan has confirmed that besides sponsoring the feature race at each meeting through his breeding operation Shadwell, he will sponsor three full days of racing next season,” added Al Sayegh.
Shadwell’s worldwide bloodstock operation has links in Ireland, USA, France, South Africa and Australia and has been a key supporter of racing at Jebel Ali.
Al Sayegh also pointed out that Jebel Ali Racecourse also owes its success to the passionate racegoers and their families who have helped develop its profile of being a “Family Racecourse.”
Over 8,000 fans on an average attended each of the 11 meetings during season, and Al Sayegh revealed that their support has not gone unnoticed.
“Shaikh Hamdan will give away a car to one lucky racegoer at each of the 11 race meetings next season,” he said. “This is his way of honouring their patronage.
“Shaikh Hamdan, in particular, asked me to send his regards to the fans. He also extends his gratitude to the Jebel Ali Racecourse organising committee, headed by Shareef Al Halawani and his team.”
Al Sayegh also thanked Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued support of Jebel Ali Racecourse and for sponsoring the Champion trainer and Champion jockey competitions and the Horse of the Season.
Emirati handler Musabah Al Muhairi emerged as the top trainer with 21 wins, while Pat Dobbs edged out Paul Hanagan and Richard Mullen to bag the top jockey award.
Both winners will receive a car gifted by Shaikh Majid.
Forjatt, winner of the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, was adjudged the Champion horse. Fojatt is trained by Dhruba Selvaratnam at Jebel Ali Racecourse.
Al Halawani, also addressed the guests at what he described as a ‘Thanking Party.
“On behalf of Major General Shaikh Ahmad [Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security] I extend my thanks and gratitude to all those who have supported us during the season and in particular His Highness Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Emirates Racing Authority who have been with us all season.”
