Dubai: Jockey Dane O’Neill is hoping that course specialist Muarrab will help him maintain his strong early-season form when the seven-time winner makes a seasonal bow at this weekend’s Jebel Ali meeting.
Trained by reigning UAE champion handler Musabah Al Muhairi, Muarrab has his first start since winning the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint in March.
A six-year-old son of Oasis Dream, Muarrah faces three rivals in the 1200 metre contest, one of six races framed for the afternoon.
“Muarrab is my standout ride for the afternoon,” O’Neill said when making a guest appearance at Thursday’s sponsor’s press conference at the racecourse.
“It’s a small field but very competitive field where tactics will play a big part.”
Muarrab is one of three runners representing Jebel Ali patron and leading owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, along with stable companion Taayel and Nawwaar.
United Color, who is trained on the track by Dhruba Selvaratnam completes the quartet of four.
“There are all very nice horses, so I belive it should be a good race,” added O’Neill, who also named last outing Jebel Ali scorer Mushaakis as another promising ride on Friday.
“I’m looking forward to riding him again,” said the jockey. “He was very impressive last time he ran here and I expect him to improve for the run.
“It looks like a strong race so we’ll have to see how he gets on, but he’s a horse to look forward to for the future.”
Mushaakis, who is trained by Al Muhairi, faces eight rivals including Conform With Fact, a course and distance winner in March.
Commenting on the strong start he has made this season with nine wins, the British rider said: “I’ve been very fortunate to ride top horses in the UAE, thanks particularly to His Highness Shaikh Hamdan.
“It’s been a very promising start and I’m hoping that it can continue.
“Obviously when Paul [Hanagan. Shaikh Hamdan’s number one stable jockey] arrives here later this year, it will be a lot more competitive when it comes to getting the rides. But hopefully, given the depth and quality of Shaikh Hamdan’s horses, that should not be too much of an issue and I believe that there will be plenty of good horses for both of us.”
The feature race on the afternoon is the Shadwell Farm handicap over 1800 metres where O’Neill partners last outing runner-up Sefri.
Also present at the press conference was former champion handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
Other race sponsors include Orient Irrigation Services, Al Shafar Investment, Jotun, Frayland and Commercial Bank of Dubai.
Meanwhile Sharif Al Halawani, Jebel Ali Racecourse Manager, said that a special entertainment programme has been planned to celebrate National Day.
“Obviously we at Jebel Ali aim to keep everyone entertained,” he said. “We are happy to announce that some surprises await racegoers on Friday.
“Families are welcome and we have a lot of prizes and gifts to give away. Everyone will go home happy after an enjoyable day at the races.”
The Best Turned Out Horse will continue to be sponsored by the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) with the groom of each winner receiving a cash gift of Dh1,000 for his efforts.
