Emirati excellence on display at Jebel Ali as local trainers sweep four wins in one day

For the second day in a row, Emirati skill and expertise shone brightly on the equestrian stage, as Jebel Ali Racecourse became a showcase for local talent.

Handlers Salem bin Ghadayer and Ahmed bin Harmash dominated proceedings, claiming four of the afternoon’s seven races and underlining the growing influence of Emiratis in the sport.

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Bin Ghadayer, training out of Fazza Stables created by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, took the feature race, the Al Wasl Club Cup, a 1000-metre sprint with Indicate before completing a double with a win in the Al Awir Cup over 1900 metres with Excel Power.

Ahmed bin Harmash also enjoyed a memorable afternoon, securing two victories. He launched his double in the Shafar Investment Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Stakes, with Yasup, and then followed up with a win in the Sprint Handicap Stakes with Whitegate, ridden by Emirati apprentice, Khalid Al Balushi.

Eager to acknowledge his first win of the 2025–2026 UAE flat season, Al Balushi said: "I am very happy with today’s results. I would like to thank Ahmed bin Harmash for providing Emirati jockeys with the opportunity to ride and showcase our skills. This win is a proud moment, and I hope it’s the first of many this season."

These results came just 24 hours after Hamda Jasim Ahmed Mohamed Al Ali and Maitha Mohamed Al Qubaisi delivered an Emirati one-two in the prestigious 160 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance Village, Seih Al Salam.

The back-to-back success highlights the growing dominance of Emirati talent in both flat and endurance horse racing, sending a strong message about the emergence of local riders and trainers across equestrian disciplines.

The day began on a bright note with the Porsche Cup, won by AF Muhem for purebred Arabian specialist Ernst Oertel, adding to a festival of homegrown excellence.

Saturday’s races at Jebel Ali have further cemented the rising influence of Emirati talent, both in training stables and in the saddle.