4 November 2009
Ali Al Muhairi, racing manager of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Finance Minister, said their partnership with Jebel Ali is going from strength to strength for the better of racing industry within the UAE.
“We are directed by Shaikh Hamdan to provide each and every support for Jebel Ali Racecourse as part of our strategy to promote Dubai races,” he said.
There will be no shortage of entertainment to amuse the big crowd expected.
The day’s showcase event will begin at 3.30pm with the Dh120,000 Shadwell Sprint, a six-furlong contest that has attracted a very competitive field of ten runners.
With the meeting taking place while the racegoers are looking forward for more excitement at the new Meydan Racecourse later in January, there will be a special programme for the kids at the backyard of the Grand Stand with plenty of shows to keep the younger fans amused throughout the afternoon.
“Our opening meet, Al Barsha Race, is going to be very special welcome to the season and to our faithful fans.
“More than 20,000 free gifts will be distributed to the spectators at the entry gates, in addition to mobile phones and electronic items that can be won against free coupons which will be distributed with the pick-six forms,” Sharief Al Halawani, director of the Jebel Ali Racecourse confirmed on Tuesday promising a fun day for all.
“Celebrations will start from as early as 12noon. We hope to make every one happy. The children will have our full attention and priority. We have provided special areas for them to play and enjoy the afternoon under the watchful eyes of our staff.
“There’s room for everyone to entertain himself and enjoy a special afternoon at the outskirts of the city.
“Parachutists will display their skills before they land in the paddock and folklore bands from different parts of the world will perform to delight the crowd,” he said.
But Al Halawani urged racegoers to cooperate with the racecourse management.
“The safety of the children as well as the horses and jockeys is of great importance for us. We request people to keep the place clean and follow the rules while enjoying their family day-out,” he said.
The best turned out horses competition for the six races is sponsored by the Dubai International Arabian Horseracing Centre.
The groom of each winner will receive Dh1,000 except for the feature race which carries a prizemoney of Dh2,000. The popular pick-six and tri-cast competitions is worth Dh70,000 in prizemoney.
Meanwhile, the British University in Dubai (BUD) will sponsor the sixth and final race of the afternoon for the first time in what they said to be a new partnership between the racecourse and international educational institute.
Martin Prince, Registrar of the BUD said: “The British University in Dubai is indeed honoured to be associated with Dubai and Emirates Racing at Jebel Ali race course and the world famous Shadwell stud.
“Horse racing epitomises the common interests… indeed passions of the UK and the United Arab Emirates. It represents the best of Arab-British relations and cultural association. BUD is proud to sponsor one of the races at Friday’s meeting alongside one of Britain’s elite stables, just as we work proudly alongside our elite UK partner universities — Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Cass/City and Kings College London.
“The horse is a symbol of magnanimity, honour and intelligence. Shadwell provides the right environment, coaching and care to bring out the true identity and peak performance of its horses. Similarly the University aspires to be a centre of excellence in recognising the strong identity and potential of Dubai’s top performers and leaders of today and tomorrow.
“All of us here today take pride in our international links, with Dubai as a key focus for such world-class endeavour. I am sure we will see a first-class race and meeting on Friday and I thank you for allowing BUD to be associated with this. I am sure this will lead to stronger collaboration and further enjoyment and success in the coming months and years.”
