Al Sufouh Stakes, Students Day highlight Jebel Ali’s Racecourse’s fourth meeting

Promising another round of breathtaking races at the state-of-the-art facility, the Jebel Ali Racecourse will host the fourth meeting of the season on Saturday.

Al Sufouh Stakes, sponsored by Shadwell, a 1400m handicap (85-105), is the highlight of the seven-race card.

Following his remarkable success in the opener with a clean sweep in five races and a double at the next two meetings, trainer Michael Costa is poised to continue his dominance at Jebel Ali. The Al Sufouh Stakes offer another thrilling battle, with stablemates Sadaaty and Meshtri leading the charge in the bright yellow colours of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, parton of Jebel Ali Raecourse. Sadaaty, fresh off a close second at the Mohaather Stakes last month, appears primed for a breakthrough victory.

Ridden by the in-form Ben Coen, he should relish the return to familiar ground and is expected to show even sharper form this time. Meshtri boasts a strong record at this distance and shouldn’t be underestimated.

Giving new dimension to racing at the track, Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, has announced a new theme for this week’s meeting — ‘Students Day’.

“This week, we are excited to host ‘Students Day,’ a unique initiative in the region aimed at introducing university students to the world of racing.

“Our choice of this theme is driven by the desire to involve students and create awareness about the vibrant racing community. The multi-billion-dollar horse racing industry in the UAE contributes to the nation’s economy, which is not only significant here but also globally.

“The racing industry offers more than just thrilling competitions; it embodies a unique lifestyle, vibrant vibes, and immense potential. Through ‘Students Day,’ we want to showcase the diverse opportunities available and the potential for growth and engagement in this dynamic field.”

Along with students from different universities, graduates and undergrads that are part of Commercial Bank of Dubai’s Youth Hub will join the race meeting.

“We are expecting 150 to 200 students to attend the races. As a part of the activities, one of our sponsors, Commercial Bank of Dubai’s Youth Hub students, will also be there.

“Students have the chance to explore and understand the multifaceted aspects of the racing world, providing them with valuable insights and potential career paths.

“So we are calling all university students to join us for a one-of-a-kind Students Day at Jebel Ali, the premier racing destination in Dubai. This exciting event is designed to ignite your passion for the world of racing and open doors to promising career opportunities.

“The racing industry is vast, and students can find exciting opportunities to work and contribute to its growth. Whether it’s in management, marketing, event planning, or even as enthusiasts, there’s a role for everyone.

“As part of the initiative, we aim to promote racing at Jebel Ali, highlighting the facility located in the heart of New Dubai. ‘Glorious Saturday’ at Jebel Ali promises an enjoyable experience for students, combining the thrill of racing with a fun-filled atmosphere.

“To enhance the engagement further, we have planned a couple of additional activities that allow them to get hands-on experience and insight into the racing industry,” he added.

Meanwhile, the likes of Shadwell-owned duo Monaadah and Mutaany also look likely to run prominent races, and they could emerge as the main threats to the selection.

Monaadah makes his return to action for an in-form stable that has enjoyed a number of first-time outs this term, while Mutaany didn’t pull up many trees behind Eastern World over 1200m on his seasonal bow at Shajah but could leave that effort behind back in handicap company here.

Unsurprisingly, Costa and the yellow silks of Sheikh Ahmed have strong chances throughout the card, with once-raced filly Moheeba fancied to make her presence felt in the 1200m maiden and UK recruit Mojeyrr in the 1200m handicap.