Jebel Ali Racecourse set for spectacular finish to season with high-stakes finale
Amir Naqvi
A seasoned journalist covering major sports events around the world. Amir is Sports Editor with Gulf Today.
- 16 Mar 2025
A spectacular 2024-2025 season at Jebel Ali Racecourse reaches its crescendo on Sunday with a cracking seven-race card where the highlight is the Jebel Ali Stakes, a Listed contest over 1950metres sponsored by A.R.M. Holding, which has attracted a maximum field of 16 runners.
Among the contenders are a number of distinguished middle-distance horses, each with a rich history of stellar performances over the years.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s Daramethos, who claimed back-to-back victories in the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes last year, holds an edge with his impressive rating and track familiarity.
Michael Costa’s Alhzeem stands as a formidable force in this contest, while lurking in the shadows is Simon and Ed Crisford’s Base Note.
Besides Liam’s Map’s son, Costa saddles two more, including Home Brew and Saayedd.
“It’s a true pleasure to host the final race meeting of the season at Jebel Ali Racecourse. This marks our second premier meeting, showcasing four prestigious races, including the Jebel Ali Stakes, Jebel Ali Classic, Jebel Ali Distaff, and Al Wasl Classic,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.
“I would like to thank our sponsors—Emirates Airline, A.R.M Holding, and Commercial Bank of Dubai—for their unwavering support throughout the season.
“On this thrilling day, we will also announce and crown the winners of the Emirates Sprint Series for the 2024-2025 season.
“With a stellar lineup of international runners, the races promise to be fiercely competitive. We look forward to an exciting day filled with action, celebrations, and activities.
“Fans will be treated to an abundance of festivities and activities, ensuring that every moment spent at the venue is filled with joy and excitement. It’s going to be a memorable conclusion to an incredible season,” he added.
The main support race, the Jebel Ali Classic, sponsored by Emirates Airline, promises another gripping contest with a field of 15.
The race sets the stage for an electrifying showdown, as the UAE’s finest trainers unleash their top contenders in pursuit of glory.
The second-biggest race of the card features a formidable line-up of horses. Bhupat Seemar’s The Camden Colt, along with New Kingdom and Morning, will lock horns with Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s charges — Mersaal, Mountbatten, Secret State, and Street Mood.
Adding further intrigue, Costa fields Remaadd and Sadaaty, while Ahmad Bin Harmash enters Andreas Vesalius and Quality Humor into the fray.
Doug Watson, who claimed victory in the Jebel Ali Classic with Al Tariq last season, returns with Rawy, seeking to repeat his past triumph.
The Jebel Ali Distaff, a race for three-year-old fillies over a 1400-metre distance, has drawn a competitive field of 11. All eyes will be on Seemar’s Flama Sunshine, fresh off a dazzling victory in the Al Nayifat Stakes just 13 days ago at the same track.
Julio Olascoaga’s promising Devassa and Costa’s Arryaaf also emerge as strong favourites.
Another interesting race of the day is Al Wasl Classic, a 1400- metre contest for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Mheiri’s African Candy and Costa’s Daamiss are poised to dominate the field, while Don Vaccaro and Arabian Angel bring a spark of unpredictability to the mix. The action kicks off with the Wathba Stallions Cup, where top Purebred Arabian horses will battle it out in a 1950-metre race.
Mohammed Al Mahrooqi’s Inqath, armed with a wealth of experience and a calm, calculated approach, enters the race as a force to be reckoned with.
Next up, the Al Shafar Investment Stakes is a thrilling 1200-metre sprint that promises to set the pulse racing. El Nasseeb, trained by Mheiri and carrying an impressive rating of 103, enters as a highly-touted favorite, but standing in his way is the Watson’s Billy Webster.
The 2024-2025 Jebel Ali Racecourse season culminates with the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes, the final race of the card.
Sponsored by Commercial Bank of Dubai, this race will feature a highly anticipated battle between Laasudood and Regheeb, both of whom boast formidable ratings.