Dubai: Three leading UAE educational institutes have teamed up with Jebel Ali Racecourse in a bid to tempt more young people towards horse racing.

As a result, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi University and British University will sponsor three of the six races at Friday’s concluding meeting of 2014.

Professor Reyadh Al Mehaideb, Vice-President of Zayed University, explained: “We are always looking at ways to ensure that the youth of today are given more opportunities to expand their understanding of sport and in particular heritage sports like horse racing.

“We agree that sport needs to be attractive to the youth and young adults, and by introducing horse racing to them we will get them more excited and more enthusiastic.”

Dr Abdullah Al Shamsi, Vice-Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, added: “I believe sports like horse racing can make a big difference to the youth. We have joined hands with Jebel Ali Racecourse to reach out to the younger demographics.

“Inviting youngsters to participate in a heritage sport like horse racing is our way of trying to relate to them and to offer them a different opportunity to broaden their education.”

Charles Diyab, Director of University Advancement at Abu Dhabi University, said: “It is a pleasure for Abu Dhabi University to be involved with Jebel Ali Racecourse. It is the fourth time we have sponsored a race at the course and we are quite pleased to be here and to, hopefully, continue our relationship for years to come.”

Shadwell, the breeding arm of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, will continue to lend its name to the feature event of the meeting, a 1400-metre handicap, while Derrinstown Stud and Marsh Insco will support the other two races on the card.

Salem Al Sabousi, Shaikh Hamdan’s UAE Racing Manager, offered a message from the racecourse’s long-serving patron.

“Shaikh Hamdan has assured that he will continue to support Jebel Ali Racecourse as it goes from strength to strength,” he said. “He believes that Jebel Ali Racecourse plays a crucial role in the development of horse racing in the UAE and deserves all the support it can get.”

Atinc Yilmaz, CEO of Marsh Emirates, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management, also spoke about the values attached to supporting horse racing at the venue.

“It is a great honour for Marsh to be participating for the third consecutive year in this prestigious sporting event at Jebel Ali Racecourse,” he said.