Daramethos wins Jebel Ali Stakes, Costa boosts trainers championship title hopes

Musabbeh Al Mheiri-trained Daramethos returned to winning ways by clinching victory in the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes for the second consecutive year as curtains were down on another memorable season.

Ridden by Oscar Chavez and owned by Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the six-year-old son of Sea The Stars triumphed over the Bhupat Seemar duo of King Ottoman (Pat Cosgrave) and Franz Strauss (Tadhg O’Shea) in the 1950m contest for Thoroughbred sponsored by A.R M Holding.

Jebel Ali Racecourse’s 2023–2024 season concluded with a unique twist, marking a historic moment. The 11th and final meeting was the first ever to be held during Ramadan, and it fittingly carried the theme “Ramadan Feast.”

This capped off a season where each race meeting had a distinct theme, making it a truly memorable year for the racecourse.

Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, expressed his pride in fulfilling the promise made at the season opening press conference to introduce 11 distinct concepts for their race meetings.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved. We promised 11 different concepts for our race meetings ahead of the season, and we delivered. That’s a moment of pride,” he said.

He highlighted the successful integration of various concepts, noting initial concerns about societal acceptance of merger.

“The successful merger of concept racing ultimately fostered inclusivity and attracted new audiences.

“The outcome proved positive, with people from diverse backgrounds embracing the races, raising a growing interest in the sport and potential investment.”

Despite initial expectations due to Ramadan, attendance soared to around 8,000 people.

“I wasn’t expecting this huge number of people. Around 8,000 people attended the races, and we offered Iftar meals to all,” he added.

Ahmed emphasized the significance of key races like the Jebel Ali Classic, Listed Jebel Ali Stakes, Al Wasl Classic, and Jebel Ali Distaff, which attracted international runners. He noted the addition of the Al Wasl Classic to the calendar and the increased prize money for this race, specifically for three-year-old colts.

Ahmed mentioned the successful attraction of international trainers such as Simon and Ed Crisfordand and Jamie Osborne, to name a few, contributing to the global appeal of the races.

Reflecting on the season, Ahmed acknowledged the challenges of introducing new elements to the industry but expressed satisfaction with the outcome, attributing much of the success to his dedicated team and the unwavering support of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, patron of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“I am lucky to have a brilliant team working with me, and I am grateful for the unwavering support from Sheikh Ahmed. His passion for the sport and vision for its growth have been instrumental in our journey. I always follow his guidance, and it’s because of his support that we’ve achieved what we have,” concluded Ahmed.

In another highlight of the day, Shadwell sponsored Jebel Ali Classic saw the Doug Watson-trained Al Tariq under Pat Dobbs clinch victory, narrowly edging out Michael Costa-trained Yonafis (Ben Coen).

Maintaining the upper hand in the trainers championship battle, Costa stretched his lead over Seemar following Lahfaty’s commanding win in the Jebel Ali Distaff.

Rasas reigned supreme in the Al Wasl Classic for 3-year-old colts and geldings.

Rasas, a 3-year-old World Of Trouble colt, displayed impressive form. After winning a 1200m Conditions race in December, he clinched another victory here. Marwan Al Baidhaei’s Major Cinnamon won the 1000m Sukoon Takaful Stakes.

Earlier, the action kicked off with the thrilling 1200m Wathba Stallions Cup handicap for Purebred Arabians. Jaber Bittar’s Najih, sealed victory after a fierce battle with AF Marmuq, trained by Ernst Oertel and ridden by O’Shea. In a gripping final 200 meters, Najih surged ahead, securing the win by a length.

The card-concluding Commercial Bank of Dubai Cup, brought up a seventh winner of the season for Olascoaga, courtesy of El Patriota.