Osama Refai-trained Road Bloc, who dominated the series last year, is among favourites for Emirates Sprint Series opener.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Following a stupendous success in the inaugural edition, the Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup marks the return of the much-anticipated Emirates Sprint Series.

The first leg of the Emirates Sprint Series will take place at the Sharjah Longines Racecourse when they host the second meeting of their season on Sunday.

The six-race card promises a thrilling showcase of speed, with two co-featured sprinting events boasting a substantial prize purse of Dhs200,000 each. Dubai Real Estate Center sponsors the entire card.

The Emirates Sprint Series was launched last season on the directives of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the patron of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

Sheikh Ahmed’s initiative aimed to support owners, trainers, and jockeys, as well as link racecourses and promote horse racing in the country.

Sharjah and Jebel Ali Racecourses hosted the different legs of the series in the previous season, and now Meydan Racecourse has joined the bandwagon.

“Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup at Sharjah Longines Racecourse sets the stage for a thrilling three-leg series,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Emirates Sprint Series and General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

Mohamed Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Emirates Sprint Series and General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“I would like to thank Sheikh Ahmed for his continuous backing of the series, which supports owners and trainers.

“After the first edition's overwhelming success, many owners and trainers are now focusing on preparing their sprinters for this series. This strategic series adds substantial value to the UAE’s racing landscape.”

Ahmed emphasized that the Emirates Sprint Series is a collaborative initiative among the different tracks in the UAE.

“I am looking forward to the series opener, as this is going to be a very competitive one for the second consecutive year at the Sharjah Longines Racecourse.

“The first leg of the series has attracted a stellar field, with more than five horses boasting a rating above 100. The participation of top horses from various stables underscores the series' success and its growing stature. The competitiveness of this race is expected to showcase the finest sprinting talent, setting the stage for an exhilarating series ahead,” Ahmed added.

Ridden by Oscar Chavez, Road Bloc, in the colours of Sayed Hashish and Hana Refai, landed the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint and the HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup last season.

Victory in both races earned the winning connections a bonus of Dhs250,000 in addition to the first prize of Dhs300,000.

Trained by Osama Refai, the five-year-old Street Sense gelding is among the favourites. The HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup for thoroughbreds has attracted a top-quality field of 12.

Zabeel’s sprinting star, Tuz, who won Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint earlier this year, is poised to challenge Road Bloc.

The 112-rated Bhupat Seemar-trained horse has discovered his true calling in the sprint division and is the obvious choice here under Tadhg O’Shea.

Veteran sprinters Al Tariq and Alkaraama, finishing fourth and seventh at Meydan, respectively, in their last outing, aim for successful comebacks but face questions about their peak performance.

Other notable contenders include last season's Jebel Ali Sprint runner-up, Story Of Light, known for performing well when fresh, and Ever Given, an intriguing prospect from the Salem Bin Ghadayer team, especially after being dropped to sprint distances following a previous setback.

Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyaee, Director of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Ahmed for kicking off the series for a second year running.

“Sheikh Ahmed is regarded as one of the pillars of horse racing in the UAE, and we are pleased to be a part of this unique series.”

“Beginning the series from here is a great honour that we are very proud of.”

Another sprinting feature, the HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup for Purebred Arabians, is likely to be dominated by Al Wathba Racing.

Trained by Majed Al Jahoori, Asmaa Al Wathba and Bassam Al Wathba have impressed by their immense speed.

Bernardo Pinheiro's choice Bassam Al Wathba is expected to perform well despite his first time running on dirt.

The filly Asmaa Al Wathba, on the other hand, is a course and distance winner and was successful over the minimum 1000m at Al Ain on her ultimate run last season.

Rookie trainer Adil Mouchahi, who has already enjoyed two wins from 17 starts this season, dispatches Yas Xmnsor.

A Sharjah regular, he won this race the previous season, narrowly defeating the reopposing AF Marmuq in a close finish.

Sam Hitchcott's mount Aljamri could win the only handicap on the card, a 2000m race for 0-80-rated Purebred Arabians.