Watson seals double as Jebel Ali ends 2025 with thrilling races amidst festive vibes

Jebel Ali Racecourse hosted its grand finale for the 2025 season, marking the occasion with a sparkling early celebration of the New Year. The day featured a dazzling seven-race card, with the spotlight falling on two highly anticipated handicaps—the Glorious Saturday Stakes and the New Year Fest Stakes—both Daaeemm incentive races offering a total prize pool of Dhs 120,000. The festive atmosphere added to the excitement, providing a fitting send-off to the year.

In the Glorious Saturday Stakes, Julio Olascoaga’s Kafoo, under Conor Beasley, delivered a stunning and unexpected victory that left the crowd buzzing. The seven-year-old son of the 2008 Dubai World Cup winner Curlin surged up the inside rail with a burst of speed, edging past Bhupat Seemar’s promising The Camden Colt in a thrilling finish.

Doug Watson’s Truth Explained triumphed in the New Year Fest Stakes over 1950 metres, powering to a dominant victory by an impressive four and a half lengths.

The race, which served as the second feature of the card, saw the bottom-weight contender leave the competition trailing in his wake, delivering a performance that was nothing short of commanding.

Riding with precision, Panamanian jockey Oscar Chavez guided the son of Justify to a dominant victory, delivering a performance that oozed class and strength over the testing distance.

From the moment the gates flew open, the four-year-old colt stamped his authority on the race, leaving rivals trailing in his wake.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s Aaablan, struggling to find his rhythm, could not keep up with the winner’s relentless pace, fading as the race progressed

“It has been a highly successful conclusion to the final race meeting of 2025, marking the halfway point of the season. I am deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the board members of Jebel Ali Racecourse for their unwavering support,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to all the winners of today’s races. It’s wonderful to see such a large turnout of fans and the festive atmosphere at the racecourse. Looking ahead, we are excited for the upcoming race days, with three meetings scheduled for January 2026, as well as our signature event, Gallop & Glam Fashion Day, on February 15. We are also looking forward to two thrilling races during Ramadan,” he added.

Later in the day, Doug Watson secured a double, as Arlan, ridden by Patrick Dobbs, surged to victory in the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes. The partnership proved unstoppable, with Arlan crossing the line more than four lengths clear of Salem Bin Ghadayer’s Excel Power, who was unable to mount a serious challenge.

Conor Beasley also enjoyed a successful double, guiding Mr Haiiro, trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash, to a hard-fought victory in the Do It All with Daaeemm Stakes. Despite a valiant challenge from Seemar’s Omaha Front, ridden by Tadhg O’Shea, who pressed the pace throughout, Mr Haiiro showed remarkable tenacity, fending off the threat to win by nearly one and a half lengths.

Champion trainers Musabbeh Al Mheiri and Bhupat Seemar were both back in the winner’s circle. Al Mheiri struck first, with Sirocco Winds storming to victory in the Al Shafar Investment Stakes. Under a perfectly timed ride by Richard Mullen, Sirocco Winds found an extra gear on the uphill climb, powering away from the field to secure a dominant win.

Not to be outdone, Seemar brought the curtain down on the day with a flourish, as Elusive Trevor powered home to claim the Al Redha Insurance Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Race — over 1800 metres.

The day’s action kicked off with trainer Qaiss Aboud’s AF Musalat, who triumphed in the Porsche Cup, restricted to UAE-bred Purebred Arabians, overcoming stablemate Men Bu Dhabi Al Hazer in the opening race.

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor