Costa, Orman give fantastic start to Jebel Ali Stables in season opener

Jebel Ali Stables could not have asked for a better start than this to begin a season.

The yellow silks of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the racecourse’s founder and patron, sparkled brightly during the afternoon sunshine at the venue on Saturday after unstoppable resident trainer Michael Costa and jockey James Orman combined to win five of the seven race-card in their first meeting, signalling many more to come.

Engineer Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Member of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Emirates Horse Racing Authority, expressed delight over the success of Sheikh Ahmed horses and the electrifying start to the first meeting of the new season.

“I would like to thank the whole organising committee for putting up a great show under the direction of Sheikh Ahmed.

“I am very happy with the perfect start to the season. We have been blown away by the size of the fans who came to the venue to watch the races and are excited to see it grow even more,” added Shehhi.

Overwhelmed with the dazzling performance and the races ending on an exceptional note, Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, said: “We are extremely pleased with the way the first meeting was shaped in terms of organisation and success as well. I would like to thank and congratulate Sheikh Ahmed on this wonderful start.

“We are committed to organising the best for the trainers and jockeys while adding more diversity for the fans, and the meeting’s success is a clear testament to our commitment to establishing new standards of excellence,” he added.

Flashing the signs of being firmly in the saddle, the two-time Brisbane champion jockey Orman tasted success on his first ride in the UAE following Mozahim’s victory in the 1000m Maiden Stakes, sponsored by Al Shafar Investment LLC, by finishing four lengths ahead of Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s Al Arbed, under apprentice Qais Al Busaidi.

Jebel Ali Stables got the second one after Marsoom led 1-2 for Costa and Orman in the Novice Stakes over 1,000 metres, which saw the ‘home team’ collect a 1-2 after Turjman (Dobbs aboard) finished two lengths adrift of the winner.

Later, Costa and Orman captured everything except the Commercial Bank of Dubai Cup 1200m handicap, which saw the Doug Watson-trained Rayig (Pat Dobbs) edge Salem Bin Ghadayer’s Desert Safari on the line to bring up a first success for new owner Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.

The Jebel Ali Stables’ trainer and jockey were back in the winners circle by dominating the next three races on the trot. Eljenob secured victory for the duo in the Dubai Refreshment (PJSC) Cup 1400m.

Orman’s adept skills in the saddle were showcased in the afternoon’s highlight, the 1600m Season Opening Cup sponsored by Shadwell. Despite a slow start and playing to the tune of the pacemakers, Orman strategically maneouvred Alhzeem widest of all after straightening for home.

With 600 metres left, Orman urged Alhzeem forward, and the horse responded with a full stretch, effortlessly progressing to the front 200 metres from the finish line.

Alhzeem extended the lead to secure a commanding five-and-a-half-length victory over Delorean, trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash and ridden by Gabriele Malune.

Hyde Park, guided by Xavier Ziani for Ghadayer, finished a further four lengths behind in third place.

Wessall rounded off the scoring for the hosts in the concluding Orient Irrigation Services Cup 1800m maiden, which the four-year-old Dark Angel gelding won by an impressive six-and-a-half lengths from Alwareeth.

Earlier, the racing began at the Jebel Ali Racecourse with the only Purebred Arabian contest on the card, the Wathba Stallions Cup.

AF Mathakeel shot well clear of his field before being reined in for a length-and-quarter success under Adrie de Vries.