Selvaratnam likes Forjatt’s chances in Mile Prep
Friday’s meeting well supported by track’s regular sponsors Forjatt had provided Selvaratnam, a former UAE champion trainer, with a record fifth success in the National Day Cup and remains one of the flagbearers of his yard
By Racing & Special Features Writer
Veteran handler Dhruba Selvaratnam rates National Day Cup winner Forjatt as his best chance at Jebel Ali Racecourse’s first meeting of the New Year on Friday.
Selvaratnam said, Forjatt, who has proved himself capable on both turf and dirt tracks, will have improved from last month’s victory at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and should give a good account of himself.
Forjatt faces seven rivals over the same course and distance (1,600 metres) as the Jebel Ali Mile in three weeks’ time.
The race is sponsored by Ascana, a long-time promoter of racing at the venue.
“I think he has a genuine chance in the race, He’s eightyears-old now but he’s still very fit and competitive,” said Selvaratnam.
Forjatt had provided Selvaratnam, a former UAE champion trainer, with a record fifth success in the National Day Cup and remains one of the flagbearers of his Jebel Ali Racecourse-based yard.
Stable veteran
The long-serving handler is also hoping for a good run from another stable veteran, Sholaan, who faces seven rivals in the meet’s co-feature, a 1,200-metre sprint sponsored by Romeo.
Sholaan first arrived at the stables, which are owned by Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, at the end of the 2012 season and has since recorded all three of his UAE wins at the track known for its steep uphill finish.
“He’s coming back to his peak fitness and we think he should run well,” said Selvaratnam.
Meanwhile, Shareef Al Halawani, Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, thanked the sponsors of Friday’s races for their continued support and offered his best wishes for the New Year.
“We are always grateful for the support we receive from our friends and sponsors,” he said during a press conference at the racecourse’s Majlis on Tuesday.
“We are very happy to present the trophies, which our generous sponsors have made available. This reflects their commitment and confidence to support Jebel Ali racing in all aspects.
“We are proud of our long association with our sponsors and we look forward to more continued support.”
The event was attended by representatives of the sponsors for Friday’s races including Ascana, Romeo, Beam Group of Companies, Cairo Contracting Co, S.I.S. (UK) and Admore Trading.