Costa captures Jebel Ali Racecourse feature, double delight for Mheiri

Gulf Today Report

Mozahim showcased remarkable resilience in clinching victory in the Al Awir Sprint Stakes sponsored by Shadwell, the feature event of Saturday’s seven-race meeting at the Jebel Ali Racecourse in Dubai.

The successful duo of Jebel Ali trainer-jockey Michael Costa and Ben Coen, who won the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial at the Meydan Racecourse with Ma Yetal on Friday night, celebrated two victories on the day.

Facing a challenge from Musabbeh Al Mheiri's Manitou, ridden by Connor Beasley, Mozahim momentarily seemed unsettled.

However, under Coen's skillful guidance, he regained composure, surging past Manitou to secure the win by half a length. Asad Zabeel, another entry from Mheiri's stable, ridden by Jim Crowley, finished a distant third, seven lengths behind.

The sixth meeting of the Jebel Ali season was billed as ‘Motorsports Day’ and its success turned the dream of Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, into reality.

Fueling Jebel Ali's season with 11 distinct concepts, Ahmed revved up excitement with Motorsports Day.

“With our carefully planned distinctive concepts for each race meeting, our dedication is to craft an unforgettable experience that extends well beyond the finish line," he emphasised. Ahmed said the racetrack roared to life today with a thrilling ‘Motorsports Day’ unlike any other!

“My decade-long vision of uniting horsepower on four hooves and wheels finally became reality, and it was beyond incredible. “I first dreamt of it in 2014 and finally realised it came true today. I think I am blessed that I could do whatever I dreamed of.

“Porsche roared to the occasion as our esteemed partner, showcasing their sleek vehicles alongside the thunderous hooves of champions.

“Witnessing cars and horses grace the track together was a sight to behold, a true testament to the spirit of this event.”

Jebel Ali's opening race, the 1400m Porsche Cup sponsored by Al Nabooda Automobiles, a maiden for Purebred Arabians, saw Khalifa Al Neyadi's AF Man’oot, guided skillfully by Saif Al Balushi, pull clear effortlessly to win by a substantial seven and three-quarters of a length.

“Beyond the spectacle, today's races were fierce and exhilarating. 11,000 spectators, a fantastic mid-season turnout, witnessed international runners pushing their limits, all fueled by the pristine track conditions that trainers and jockeys alike commended.

“Anticipation is high as the season progresses, with expectations of reaching full capacity.

“The positive feedback from trainers and jockeys highlighted the excellent track conditions, contributing to the overall success of the event,” Ahmed concluded.

Fresh off a triumphant treble to close out 2023, Costa and Coen completed the double after landing the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes, where Turjman dominated the 1000m sprint, finishing six and a quarter lengths ahead of King Of Luck, ridden by Richard Mullen.

Jebel Ali patron Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s bright silks are blazing a trail of victory as, following Saturday’s success, their stables have claimed 18 of their 24 winners for the campaign so far at their home turf.

Mheiri also sealed a double after claiming victory with Waqet in the Al Safa Stakes 1800m maiden, fiercely battling Mashkoor (Marwan Al Baidhaei/Lucan van Rensburg) to the finish.

The Emirati trainers’ earlier win came with Al Shibli, owned by Naser Asker and ridden by Bealsey, narrowly holding off Simon and Ed Crisfords’ Vespasian in the Bin Dasmal Group Stakes handicap.

Rashed Bouresly-trained Alla Mahlak claimed victory in the 1400m Al Shafar Investment Stakes (0-80) under Omar Salas, triumphing by a length-and-three-quarters from Show Maker (Ismail Mohammed/Qais Al Busaidi).

Having conquered the prestigious Group 2 Zabeel Mile just the night before, the Red Stables pair of Doug Watson and Pat Dobbs arrived at Jebel Ali brimming with confidence.

They entrusted Violent Justice, a seasoned competitor in the 1600m JARC Motorsports Day Cup, with the challenge.

The race unfolded in a tightly contested battle, with Violent Justice biding its time in the mid-field pack. As the final stretch approached, Dobbs expertly maneuvered the Violent Justice, unleashing a powerful burst of speed that propelled them to snatch victory with a late surge and three-quarters of a length ahead of Eljenob.