G3 Jebel Ali Mile, Emirates Sprint Series finale take centre stage in ninth meeting

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

Jebel Ali Racecourse revs up for its ninth meeting of the season, promising a high-octane day of horse racing and entertainment unlike any other on Saturday.

This electrifying event features the prestigious 1,600-metre Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, a highlight of the track’s calendar, and the thrilling third leg of the Emirates Sprint Series.

Sponsored by Shadwell, the Thoroughbred race offers a staggering Dhs700,000 and has attracted a quality field of 13 including Daramethos, In Crowd, Down On Da Bayou, Qareeb, and Swing Vote.

Having clinched two victories in two outings, both over a gruelling mile on the challenging Jebel Ali track, Swing Vote emerges as one of the prime contenders for the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile.

Salem Bin Ghadayer, a two-time winner of the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, unleashes a strong three-horse assault, all owned by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Chairman of the Executive Council.

He also looks to hold strong claims with In Crowd and Tenbury Wells. Ghadayer also saddles Down On Da Bayou.

Despite Swing Vote’s commanding victory by four lengths over In Crowd in the Jebel Ali Mile Prep, several other contenders from that race will be seeking redemption, including In Crowd.

Jebel Ali’s resident trainer, Michael Costa, is banking on Home Brew to make an impact.

Home Brew, an American import ridden by Ben Coen, representing famous yellow silks of Jebel Ali Racecourse patron Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is expected to challenge Swing Vote.

Jebel Ali stables last won the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile in 2017 with the formidable Forjatt.

Musabbeh Al Mheiri-trained Daramethos, last year’s Jebel Ali Stakes winner, is looking to improve on his recent third-place finish behind Swing Vote.

Mheiri has another hope in Qareeb, who won the JARC Sports Day Cup at the same track last month here, and the outing might be used as a stepping-stone for next month’s Listed Jebel Ali Stakes. Ahmad Bin Harmash saddles Al Jaddaf, two-time Meydan Mile winner.

Ahead of Jebel Ali’s biggest race of the season, the Jebel Ali Sprint, sponsored by A.R.M Holding, which is the final leg of the ambitious Emirates Sprint Series, will take centre stage.

The high-stakes showdown carrying a prize purse of Dhs500,000, will be a spectacle of speed, with the best sprinters clashing for the coveted glory.

The line-up of international runners — Color Up, Ponntos, and Road Bloc— headlines the field of 16 horses, showcasing some of the top contenders in the race.

Get ready to strike a pose and unleash your inner fashion icon! Saturday’s meet of the Jebel Ali Racecourse transforms into a runway of style with its exciting ‘Fashion Day’ theme.

“As part of our commitment to bringing unique themes to each race meeting, the biggest meeting of our season promises to be a day packed with style, competition, and fun for everyone with Fashion Day,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of the Jebel Ali Racecourse and Executive Director of Emirates Sprint Series.

“We are thrilled to host our Fashion Day event. This is your chance to showcase your unique flair and creativity by coming dressed to impress. Whether you go classic, trendy, or utterly outrageous, let your personality shine through.”

“Calling all fashionistas and trendsetters! We are inviting people to our exciting Fashion Day event, packed with style, competition, and fun!.”

Show off your unique flair and creativity by coming dressed to impress.

“We will offer categories for men, women, and kids. Additionally, we will showcase fashion brands and host various activities in the car parking area,” added Ahmed.

The action begins with the Al Wathba Stallions Cup, sponsored by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Racing Festival, the only Purebred Arabian race on the card.

The Al Shafar Investment Stakes, the Emirates Airline Cup, and the Sukoon Takaful Stakes also guarantee exhilarating competition, outstanding talent, and thrilling action.