Dubai: Jebel Ali Racecourse is all set to host its second meeting of the 2015-2016 season, a six-race card highlighted by a conditions race sponsored by Shadwell.
Run over a stiff 1,400 metres, the day’s feature has attracted seven runners led by dual course winner Gobooll and former course and distance winner Shamaal Nibras.
The former is trained on the track by veteran handler Dhruba Selvaratnam, who saddled a pair of winners at the season-opening meeting two weeks ago.
Selvaratnam said he was pleasantly surprised with the results which helped buck the trend for the team.
“Our horses normally need a run or two to get going, so it was very pleasing to see Lanadam and Morawij win first up,” Selvaratnam said at a press conference attended by racing officials and representatives of the race sponsors.
“We’re hoping to keep the momentum going as we seem to have a couple of good chances this weekend.”
Both Lanadam and Morawij were ridden by Irishman Chris Hayes who is the retained rider for Selvaratnam’s Jebel Ali Stables.
“It’s a privilege to be here in the UAE riding for a stable like Jebel Ali,” Hayes said. “Hopeful the start we had two weeks ago is a good omen and we can keep it up.
“This season is the first time for a lot of things for me, including riding for the first time on dirt and on Purebred Arabians.
“But it’s a good opportunity as any and I’m looking forward to making the most of my time here in the UAE.”
Beside Shadwell, who also led their name to another race on the card, the remaining races are sponsored by long-time supporters of racing at Jebel Ali including Al Shafar Investment, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Ascana and E Sports.
Friday’s meeting kicks-off with the HH Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Breeders Society Challenge, the first of a series of races for Purebred Arabian maidens.
The highest rated horses in the field of ten runners is leading Khalid Al Nabooda’s Ibn Harmany Al Zobair.
Mohammad Al Subose, UAE racing manager to Shaikh Hamdan, reiterated Shaikh Hamdan’s commitment to supporting racing at Jebel Ali.
“Shaikh Hamdan takes great pleasure in lending his support and encouragement to Jebel Ali Racecourse,” said Al Subose.
“He is committed in this support which he hopes will help raise the profile of the races and attract the best horses possible. Shaikh Hamdan is also keen to see his horses compete at Jebel Ali and at all the racecourses in the UAE. He remains passionate about this and has assured that he will continue to honour his commitment to sponsoring races at Jebel Ali through the season.”
Shareef Al Halawani, Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, said that every detail was being looked at into the staging of the race meetings at the popular venue.
“We thank all our supporters without whom we will not be able to achieve the results and success that we have had over the years at Jebel Ali,” he said.
“We also extend our thanks to the Emirates Racing Authority, the owners, trainers and jockeys, who support our races.
“The public are not forgotten and we have made arrangements to conduct our regular competitions and lucky draws to keep the racegoers and their families entertained.
“All this is with the support of our pillar sponsors.”