Jebel Ali Racecourse eyes change of fortunes
Al Shehhi promises improvement in new season at UAE’s historic race track
The pride and accomplishment of conducting yet another memorable season at the Jebel Ali Racecourse drew a select crowd of its patrons, sponsors and officials to a poignant closing ceremony on Monday evening.
The 2017-2018 racing season, which began on November 3 and culminated on March 23, featured 11 race meetings highlighted by the venue’s three Pattern races — the Jebel Ali Mile on January 26 and the Jebel Ali Stakes and Jebel Ali Sprint on February 3.
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi has assumed charge as Racing Manager at the historic racecourse and stables created by Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, in 1990, and said it was a season that will lead to innovation.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be able to assist Shaikh Ahmad and his team in such a prestigious stable as Jebel Ali,” said Al Shehhi, who is also the CEO of Dubai Design District, CEO of Strategy, Technology and Executive Affairs, Dubai Media Incorporated, at the ceremony, which was held at the Grand Hyatt.
“I admit that it was not the best of seasons of Jebel Ali Racecourse. But we learnt a lot, which I believe will help us build a strong future.
“There will be changes at the racecourse, we have a new trainer, new horses and we will be gearing up to make a fresh start at the end of the year, and we’re very excited about it,” he added.
“My job will be to support Nicholas [Bachalard], who has taken over as head trainer at the yard, in every possible way.
“I take this opportunity to thank Shaikh Ahmad for his continuous support and also Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who has been our biggest patron, together with all the other owners, trainers and jockeys, who have patronised Jebel Ali Racecourse,” said Al Shehhi.
Shareef Al Halwani, Jebel Ali Racecourse Manager, thanked His Highnesses and all the 19 pillar sponsors of Jebel Ali Racecourse for their continued support.