Daaeemm initiative to spark thrilling start to Jebel Ali Racecourse season

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

DUBAI: As the Daaeemm scheme breathes new life into the sport and prize purses soar to new heights, the curtain rises once more on the Jebel Ali Racecourse season, a cherished jewel in the UAE's equestrian crown, renowned for its ‘Garden Party’ atmosphere.

The 2025–2026 season, kicking off this Saturday and stretching across 11 meetings from November to mid-March, will test the mettle of trainers and jockeys on the challenging 2,200-metre, right-handed, horseshoe-shaped dirt track.

The opening meeting features a seven-race card, highlighted by the Season Opening Cup, which carries a Dhs120,000 purse and brings together some of the highest-rated runners in a contest over 1400 metres.

The Season Opening Cup promises an exciting showdown, led by Morning, rated 100, bringing experience and consistency under jockey Tadhg O'Shea, while Rawy and Mountbatten add depth with their proven track records.

The speedsters take centre stage in the Opening Day Sprint Stakes, sponsored by the Emirates Sprint Series. The race for 3-year-olds, offering Dhs100,000 over 1000 metres, has attracted 10 runners, with Attwaal leading Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s charge. Zandvoort, a 3-year-old chestnut colt by Good Magic, carries the highest rating of 90 and is among the top favourites.

The afternoon opens in fitting style with the Porsche Cup, a Purebred Arabian race celebrating the UAE’s proud heritage of Arabian breeding and setting a dignified tone for what promises to be an unforgettable day.

Excitement builds with the Al Shafar Investment Stakes, the first Daaeemm Incentive Race of the day. The Umm Suqeim Stakes, the second Daaeemm Incentive Race over 1400 metres for three-year-olds, gives rising stars the chance to announce themselves among the UAE’s elite. The Orient Irrigation Cup, another Daaeemm Incentive Race for Thoroughbreds stretching over 1600 metres, has attracted a field of 12 runners.

“We are delighted to kick off the 2025–2026 racing season with the Opening Day Festival at Jebel Ali Racecourse. It’s a proud moment to launch the season with our very own branded cup, making this opening meeting truly unique. We’re pleased to see a strong turnout of horses, ensuring a highly competitive start to the new season,” said Mohamed Ahmed, Director General of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“At Jebel Ali Racecourse, we continuously strive to enhance the experience for both participants and spectators. This year, we have introduced several exciting upgrades, including the addition of Grandstand 3, which extends the popular Horsemen’s Garden, and a new-style area designed for the general public to enjoy the races in comfort and style.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to our valued partners for their continuous support, including Porsche, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Al Shafar Investment, and Orient Irrigation,” he added.

The Jebel Ali Racecourse management launched the ‘Daaeemm’ scheme on Tuesday — a pioneering incentive initiative designed to boost participation and deepen engagement among horse owners in the UAE’s flat-racing scene. Announced alongside a 20 per cent increase in total prize money for the 2025–26 season, the scheme is billed as the world’s first racing-incentive programme dedicated entirely to supporting horse owners.

Under the Daaeemm scheme, additional bonuses will be layered onto select races, including categories for promising two- and three-year-olds, as well as horses yet to record their first win, supplementing the traditional prize purses.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to promote excellence in racing, we will also witness three Daaeemm races during the first meeting. The Daaeemm initiative aims to encourage consistent performance and reward long-term achievement throughout the season. It reflects our dedication to raising the standards of competition and recognizing the hard work of owners, trainers, and jockeys alike. We wish all owners, trainers, and jockeys the very best of luck for a successful and exciting start to the season.”

Rounding off the first meeting is the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes, an 1800-metre Handicap where proven campaigners and hardy stayers will battle to close the curtain on a day steeped in competition and camaraderie.