Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), has approved the fixture list of the UAE racing season 2023-2024.

Sheikh Mansour said, "We are pleased to announce the 2023-2024 racing programme and look forward to another successful racing season for horse trainers, owners and all connections across the entire racecourses of the UAE.

"We offer racing for domestic and international horses in both the thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian ranks. We are keen to put on another great show for everyone starting from Oct.28 this year."

"The last season was phenomenal in terms of changes and improvements across the board,” Sheikh Mansour explained.

"It has elevated the competitive and professional nature of the UAE racing and its attractiveness for runners from all over the world.”

Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Mansoor commended the spirited efforts of Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority, Board Members, racing clubs and racecourses in the UAE as well as the teams of the ERA for their wholehearted support and contribution to the betterment of the sport.

Al Ain Racecourse will host the opening fixture of the UAE season on Saturday, Oct.28, 2023, followed by Sharjah Longines Racecourse on Sunday, Oct.29, 2023.

Jebel Ali Racecourse will open its doors for the first time on Saturday, Nov.4, 2023, and racing action in the capital, Abu Dhabi, will start on Thursday, Nov.9, 2023.

The opening night of the Meydan Racecourse will be on Friday, Nov.10, 2023.

The UAE 2023-2024 racing campaign includes a total of 61 meetings, comprising 15 at Abu Dhabi Racecourse, 14 at Al Ain Racecourse, 11 at Jebel Ali Racecourse, 6 at Sharjah Racecourse, and 15 at Meydan Racecourse.

Racing in Abu Dhabi features the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown for Purebred Arabians, and His Highness the UAE President Cup.

Al Ain Racecourse will host Al Ain Mile race day as well as the Marathon Series, while racing in Jebel Ali features Jebel Ali Mile, Jebel Ali Sprint and Jebel Ali Stakes.

Fixtures at Sharjah Racecourse are highlighted by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah Cup at the concluding meeting, the GCC Cup, Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (1st leg of the Emirates Sprint Series).

Meydan Racecourse brings down the curtain on its season on March 30, 2024, with the 28th renewal of the iconic Dubai World Cup.

WAM