Battle for trainers championship hots up, Jebel Ali season heads for epic finale

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

Get ready for a thrilling season finale at the iconic Jebel Ali Racecourse this Saturday!

This marks the culmination of the 2023-2024 Jebel Ali season with the hosting of their 11th meeting, promising yet another afternoon of top-notch racing and exciting entertainment for racegoers.

The seven-race card dedicated to Thoroughbred racing is offering a staggering Dhs14,10000 in prize money.

Jebel Ali Classic is supported by Shadwell, and Listed Jebel Ali Stakes is sponsored by A.R.M Holding, while the rest of the races on the card will be backed by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Racing Festival, Sukoon Takaful, Commercial Bank of Dubai, and Al Shafar Investment.

“The theme for our season finale will be the Ramadan feast. This is a historic moment for us as Jebel Ali Racecourse is hosting its final meeting this Saturday, marking the first time ever races taking place during the Holy month, said Mohammed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“It will be fascinating to see how the event unfolds, especially considering that races are scheduled during Ramadan for the next five years.

“The final meeting boasts exciting additions like the Jebel Ali Distaff and Al Wasl Classic, alongside the highly anticipated Listed Jebel Ali Stakes and Jebel Ali Classic.

“International trainers and runners from the UK, along with representatives from international stables, will add a touch of global flair,” he added.

Known affectionately as the ‘Family Racecourse,’ Jebel Ali has earned its reputation as a beloved destination for thousands of spectators who have flocked through the turnstiles to enjoy the thrilling action throughout the season.

“As always, the racecourse remains a family-friendly venue. We expect thousands of fans to join us for this special Ramadan celebration, soaking up the unique atmosphere and enjoying the thrill of the races.

“We’ll be providing sumptuous iftar for everyone attending, fostering a sense of community and togetherness during this special time,” Ahmed revealed.

The spotlight will be on trainers Michael Costa and Bhupat Seemar, who lock horns in a battle for the UAE trainer’s championship. Costa and Seemar going head-to-head on a card, poised to heavily influence the outcome of the trainer’s championship.

Costa’s Jebel Ali stable is strongly represented with nine runners, while Seemar saddles 17.

Costa, who is bidding for a first-ever UAE trainers’ championship in only his second year of training in the country, with 35 wins, is one ahead of Seemar following victory on the final night of the Dubai Racing Carnival.

The Listed Jebel Ali Stakes carries a prize purse of AED500,000. Alhzeem will represent the ‘home team’ of Jebel Ali Racecourse patron Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Costa pins his hopes on Alhzeem, a recent victor at the course, who will be ridden by Ben Coen. Meanwhile, Makfoul, who finished third behind Alhzeem in their previous outing, is partnered by Johnnatan Castano Mateus.

Another Seemar runner, Franz Strauss, enters the race ridden by Tadgh O’Shea. While Franz Strauss suffered a significant defeat in the Emirates Super Saturday, O’Shea previously guided the horse to a second-place finish and may be able to unlock its potential.

A formidable trio from Zabeel Stables, comprising King Ottoman ridden by Pat Cosgrave, Nevershow Weakness with Richard Mullen in the saddle, adds to the anticipation of the feature event. However, UK trainer Jamie Osborne is not to be overlooked, as he pins his hopes on the highest-rated Sean, aiming to turn around his fortunes this winter.

Laneqash, favored by Tadgh O’Shea, and Morning, ridden by Richard Mullen, showcase the strength of Zabeel Stables in the Dhs250,000 Jebel Ali Classic.

Costa fields two contenders, Kal Barg and Yonafis, with the latter being ridden by Coen for Jebel Ali Stables. Despite facing challenging draws in recent Group races at Meydan and Abu Dhabi, Yonafis has held his own behind Fort Payne and Nibras Passion. This race may offer a more favorable setting for him to demonstrate his abilities.

Seemar also saddles six in the Dhs 200,000 Al Wasl Classic. Among them is Falcon Of Arabia, partnered with O’Shea, who left a striking impression by defeating the talented Auto Bahn on his debut at Meydan. While his subsequent outing in the Al Bastakiya might have been premature in his development, there’s optimism for a rebound.

The 11th meeting begins with Wathba Stallions Cup over 1200m. AF Marmuq is among the favourite to win this race. Next on the card is Sukoon Takaful Stakes in which all eyes will be on Elusive Terry.