Unstoppable Costa saddles four winners in Jebel Ali Racecourse’s season finale
Amir Naqvi
A seasoned journalist covering major sports events around the world. Amir is Sports Editor with Gulf Today.
- 17 Mar 2025
The grand finale of the Jebel Ali Racecourse and the second most prestigious race meeting of their calendar unfolded in spectacular fashion, marked by breathtaking victories and an awe-inspiring display of dominance from Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s stable on Sunday.
Out of the exhilarating seven-race card, Sheikh Ahmed’s Jebel Ali Stables and resident trainer Michael Costa showcased their supremacy, capturing victories in the feature Listed Jebel Ali Stakes, sponsored by A.R.M Holding, the Jebel Ali Classic, backed by Emirates Airline, Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes, and Jebel Ali Distaff.
It was also a memorable day for jockey Ray Dawson, who guided contenders to glory in all of the top four races.
Draped in striking yellow silks, Saayedd, under Dawson, fended off a fierce challenge from Simon and Ed Crisford’s Base Note to win the Jebel Ali Stakes, a Listed contest over 1950 metres.
Crossing the finish line nearly two lengths ahead, Saayedd also shattered Daramethos’ hopes of a coveted hat-trick.
Reflecting on the success of the season, Al Ahmed, the General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, hailed the outstanding results, crediting the unwavering support of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, patron of Jebel Ali Racecourse, as a driving force behind their success.
“It was an exceptional season, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sheikh Ahmed and Engineer Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director General of the Emirates Racing Authority, for their unwavering support, said Mohamed.
“Sheikh Ahmed’s passion for the sport and his vision for its growth have been instrumental in our success. I would also like to extend my thanks to Ahmed Al Shehhi and the other members of the Higher Organizing Committee for their invaluable support.
“Last year we hosted one race in Ramadan, and this season we organised two. The final meeting saw an incredible turnout, with 10,000 fans in attendance.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support.
“Today, I am proud to say that since taking over at Jebel Ali, we have set a new benchmark for racecourses worldwide—whether through the quality of our races or our unique concept-based racing, which sets this track apart from the rest,” added Mohamed.
Costa’s winning streak ignited in electrifying fashion as, in a race that went down to the wire, Arryaaf, ridden by Dawson, showcased her grit and determination to edge past Ahmad Bin Harmash’s Taswaheen, proving her class in a fiercely contested battle in Jebel Ali Distaff.
Sadaaty propelled Costa again in the winner’s circle after finishing nearly three lengths ahead of Doug Watson’s Rawy in the Jebel Ali Classic.
Regheeb secured Costa’s fourth win of the day after dominating the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes. The five-year-old gelding lived up to expectations, unleashing a powerful surge to finish over two lengths clear of Harmash’s Delorean.
Beaming with pride after a spectacular conclusion to the home track season, Costa said: “It was a strong season, showing significant improvement compared to the last.
“Our goal was to win more races both here and at Meydan Racecourse, and we successfully achieved that. Now, we’ll focus on finding talented new horses for the next season.”
Earlier, the action kicked off with the Wathba Stallions Cup, where Ernst Oertel’s AF Mukhrej and Abdallah Al Hammadi’s Golden Years battled fiercely in the 1950-metre contest.
AF Mukhrej found an extra gear, surging ahead to snatch victory in a thrilling finish.
With Daniel Tudhope in the saddle, El Nasseeb won the Shafar Investment Stakes with a commanding performance in a high-speed sprint.
The Musabbeh Al Mheiri-trained colt surged ahead in the final strides, leaving Zawaaya and Tawalla trailing behind. Watson’s Rafid stole the show in the Al Wasl Classic, a 1400-metre contest for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Meanwhile, Nasir Aksar clinched the Emirates Sprint Series title with Morning. The Bhupat Seemar-trained five-year-old gelding won the HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup, which served as the opener of the third edition series.
“I would also like to congratulate Nasir Al Aksar on winning the Emirates Sprint Series. Aksar is one of the finest owners in the sport, continuously investing in its growth and success,” said Mohamed.