Jebel Ali set for exciting Mile Prep Stakes showdown

DUBAI: Attention turns to Jebel Ali Racecourse this Saturday as the seventh meeting of the season promises top-class racing action.

All eyes will be on the Jebel Ali Mile Prep Stakes, the key lead-up to the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile,

The race is expected to produce a thrilling contest, with contenders aiming to make their mark and set the stage for the prestigious Group 3 feature.

The will also venue host JARC Arts Day alongside the seventh meeting of the racing season.

Michael Costa’s finely tuned gelding Sadaaty returns to defend his crown in the Jebel Ali Mile Prep Stakes.

Challenging him is Qareeb, the 8-year-old Speightstown gelding trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri and partnered by Kieran Shoemark. A proven campaigner on Jebel Ali’s dirt, Qareeb brings consistency and grit that will keep him in contention to the finish. Adding further firepower is Saayedd, the highest-rated runner in the field.

Another highlight is the Tobougg Corner Stakes (Jebel Ali Stakes Prep), which has attracted a quality field of eight runners. Ahmad bin Harmash’s Flying Honours, rated 100, is among the favourites. Standing in his way is Elraeed, trained by Costa and partnered by veteran Silvestre De Sousa.

Adding a global dimension is Mount Kosciuszko, representing Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga. Bhupat Seemar saddles two runners in the race: Secret Manner, who boasts two wins from just three starts, and stablemate Elusive Trevor, teaming up with champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea—a combination that has often proved successful at this track.

“It promises to be a special occasion at Jebel Ali Racecourse as the venue hosts JARC Arts Day, a unique celebration that blends the worlds of art and horse racing, said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“The event will see JARC collaborate with Maddox, an international gallery group that has recently opened in the region.”

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, he said: “The day is designed to bring together art enthusiasts and racing fans in a shared cultural experience. Racing and art are both integral parts of our culture. This collaboration allows us to showcase creativity while enhancing the overall race-day atmosphere, creating something truly special for fans.”

Maddox Dubai, located in DIFC, is open by private appointment, providing collectors with a discreet and curated space to explore and acquire leading contemporary artworks.

“Many of our most committed collectors already live in or move through Dubai, so opening here felt like a natural and overdue step for Maddox,” said Matthew Lord, Director of Maddox Middle East.

The JARC Sprint Handicap promises an exciting clash of speedsters and seasoned campaigners over 100m. Musabbeh Al Mheiri’s Al Shibli tops the field, bringing experience and consistency with 13 wins from 28 starts, while Seemar saddles two strong challengers in Dapper Valley and Muzaahim.

The Porsche Cup opens the day with a showdown for four-year-old UAE-bred Purebred Arabians, featuring 13 runners vying for early bragging rights. Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda’s Af Almoheeb looks to use his experience and finishing kick under Tadhg O’Shea. Close behind is Mohammed Al Shamsi’s Boraq El Medam, a seasoned performer with plenty of grit, while Qaiss Aboud’s Sidara completes the leading trio, offering consistency under Richard Mullen.