Glorious Saturday Festival to mark fifth meeting of Jebel Ali Racecourse

With number of international runners ready to hit the track, Jebel Ali Racecourse is set to host its fifth race meeting on Saturday, billed as Glorious Saturday Festival.

This meeting promises an exhilarating day of top-class, festive cheer, and an atmosphere brimming with excitement, as spectators gather to witness the thrill of the sport unfold against the vibrant backdrop of Jebel Ali.

Seven thrilling races and a combined prize pool reaching impressive heights, excitement is building for an unmissable spectacle.

The last race of the 2024 in Dubai is highlighted by Shadwell Stakes sponsored by Shadwell, a Thoroughbred handicap carrying a prize purse of Dhs96,000.

Michael Costa-trained Alhzeem and Makfoul are set to lead the home team in a high-stakes clash featuring a classy field of six contenders.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our esteemed partners and sponsors for their invaluable support to this meeting,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, general manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“As we prepare to celebrate the final race of the year in Dubai, we named our fifth meeting ‘Glorious Saturday Festival,’ an event designed to embrace the festive spirit at the Jebel Ali.

“Fans can look forward to a series of exciting activities in the beautifully curated garden area, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere for all attendees.

“It is truly wonderful to witness international runners participating in our upcoming races, further elevating the prestige of this occasion.

“Moreover, the impressive number of horses attracted to this meeting speaks volumes about the Jebel Ali’s growing stature.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the Higher Organising Committee for their unwavering support and dedication, which continues to drive the success of these remarkable events.”

The day will kick off at 1:30pm with the Wathba Stallion Cup, a Purebred Arabian race over 1950 meters, offering prize purse of Dhs80,000.

Al Ajban Stables Oxford, trained by Abdallah Al Hammadi and ridden by Qais Al Busaidi, and Gem are among the favourites.

The Wathba Stallion Cup has attracted a qulity field of 16.

At 2pm, the spotlight will shift to the Al Shafar Investment Stakes (sponsored by Al Shafar Group), a Thoroughbred Handicap over 1400 meters, boasting a prize of Dhs84,000.

A strong field of 14 is set go to post with Costa saddling three including Mawthog, Yotarid and Lajooje.

Mawthog will be ridden by Ray Dawson while Yotarid teams up with jockey Ben Coen.

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s Atif with a rating of 94 is among the top contenders.

The excitement continues with the NW2 Stakes scheduled for at 2:30pm, sponsored by the Emirates Sprint Series.

This Thoroughbred NW2 race, set over 1200 meters, offers a purse of Dhs72,000 and is expected to feature some of the most promising young thoroughbreds.

Tough clash is on the cards with a competitive line-up featuring Al Arbed, Attwaal, Energetic, and Kal Barg (USA).

Next on the seven-race card is the Al Redha Insurance Stakes (sponsored by Al Redha Insurance Brokers LLC), a Thoroughbred Maiden race over 1950 meters with a prize purse of Dhs 60,000.

The action will continue with the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes taking place at 4pm (sponsored by Commercial Bank of Dubai), a Thoroughbred NW2 race over 1800 meters with a purse of Dhs72,000.

Costa-trained Daayyem, Simon and Ed Crisford’s Desert Shield, and Bhupat Seemar’s Dubay are set to clash in an exciting battle for glory.

The grand finale at 4:30 PM will feature the Al Awir Stakes, a Thoroughbred Handicap run over 1600 meters, with Dhs68,000 on the line.

This closing race promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed day.