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Stage set for new season

DUBAI - The racing season will begin with yet another successful festivity at the outskirts of the city with Jebel Ali staging the curtain raiser Al Barsha Race Meeting on Friday.

There will be no shortage of entertainment to amuse the big crowd. The day’s showcase event will be held at 3pm carrying purses of Dh85,000, the highlight of the All-Thoroughbred six-race which is generously sponsored by the Shaikh Hamdan’s operation Derrinstown.

Bin Bilaila Contracting Company, Al Shafar Investment, Al Shafar Group, Power Point LLC and Commercial Bank of Dubai will look after the other five supporting races.

Maher Al Marzouqi, executive manager of the Commercial Bank of Dubai, said: “Racing is part of our culture and traditions. And it’s to our honour to be involved with the Jebel Ali Racecourse to promote the country’s heritage and culture.”

With the meeting taking place while the racegoers are looking forward for more excitement in the second season of the state-of-the-art facility Meydan, there will be a special programme for the kids at the backyard of the Grand Stand with plenty of activities to keep the younger fans amused throughout the afternoon.

“Our first 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,” said Sharief Al Halawani.

The Racecourse management confirmed it’s going to a fun day for the racegoers. “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.

But Al Halaewani 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 Horse Championship.

The groom of each winner will receive Dh1,000 each.

The popular pick-six and tri-cast competitions are worth Dh60,000 in prizemoney.