Swing Vote turns tide in Crisfords favour at Jebel Ali Racecourse

Exhibiting a remarkable burst of speed, Swing Vote shifted the momentum in favor of the father-son training duo of Simon and Ed Crisford by securing victory in the Jebel Ali Mile Prep sponsored by Shadwell at the Jebel Ali Racecourse on Saturday.

The four-year-old Shamardal gelding, under the skillful guidance of Adrie de Vries, unleashed a breathtaking surge of speed in the final 500 meters after lagging behind during much of the race.

Launching a remarkable last-to-first surge, Swing Vote dominated the field, winning by a convincing four lengths.

This performance positions him as a strong contender for the Crisfords at upcoming Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, who previously triumphed in the 2022 edition of the race with the Algiers.

Despite Salem Bin Ghadayer's Tenbury Wells initially looking poised to secure victory 400m from the finish, Swing Vote's acceleration proved insurmountable. Xavier Ziani, aboard Tenbury Wells, valiantly fought to maintain second place as Swing Vote surged ahead. Musabbeh Al Mheiri's Daramethos, ridden by Richard Mullen, claimed the third spot, finishing half a length behind.

The Jebel Ali Mile, scheduled for Feb.10, will coincide with the Listed Jebel Sprint. In the sprint's preparatory event, the Emirates Airline Cup over a 1000m stretch, Al Mheiri's Rawy, piloted by Oscar Chavez, clinched victory with a commanding two-and-a-quarter length lead after a slow start. Al Tariq, under Doug Watson and Pat Dobbs, secured second place, while Ahmad Bin Harmash's Story Of Light, ridden by Connor Beasley, settled for third.

Another highlight of the day was Michael Costa-trained Turjman winning the 1200m Zayed Ambition Cup sponsored by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on another successful meeting,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“The collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre marked a significant milestone during the seventh meeting.”

In the yellow silks of Jebel Ali Racecourse’s founder and patron Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Turjman claimed glory by a stylish seven-and-a-quarter length margin from Where’s The Wayya.

“The meeting at Jebel Ali Racecourse was one to remember, not just for the thrilling contests on the track, but also for the spirit of collaboration and community it fostered.”  “Highlight of our meeting was collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre."

“It was an honor to have the renowned Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre coming on board, a point personally emphasized by Sheikh Ahmed.

“Sheikh Ahmed's guidance to involve UAE corporations, government entities, and educational institutes has added substantial value to our endeavors.

“Such initiatives facilitate the exchange of information. The presence of engineers and officials from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre at the race meeting further shed light on UAE’s progress and ambition.

“In my perspective, horse racing transcends mere competition; it embodies a sense of community. With a turnout of 10,000 racegoers, the Jebel Ali Racecourse buzzed with energy and shared passion.

“This is what horse racing is truly about: not just the adrenaline rush of the races, but the coming together of people from all walks of life, united by a shared spirit and celebrating the achievements of the nation,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Majed Al Jahoori's Jina'an dominated the Wathba Stallions Cup maiden, while Rashed Bouresly's Shanaghai City edged out Marwan Al Baidhaei's Addicted To Chaos in the Al Shafar Investment Cup.

De Vries added another win to his tally partnering Fawzi Nass' El Introvertido in the Emirates NBD Cup maiden, while Ahmad Bin Harmash and Saif Al Balushi closed out the card with their victory in the Romeo Interiors Cup with Cosmic Desert.