Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup and Sheikh Ahmed Cup attract strong field

HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup and HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup will take centre stage in the penultimate meeting of the Sharjah Longines Racecourse season on Sunday.

The six-race card promises a thrilling showcase, with two features boasting a prize purse of Dhs200,000 each. Dubai Real Estate Centre sponsors the entire card.

HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup, restricted to four and five-year-old Purebred Arabians bred in the UAE, has attracted 14 runners.

The field is set for an intriguing showdown, with Ah Tahan looking to continue his fine form. The five-year-son of Sir Bani Yas, trained by Hamad Al Marar and ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro, carries a rating of 95. With three wins from seven starts including HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup in Abu Dhabi last month, he is the one to beat on turf.

Al Asayl Stables’ Dhleem, who recently won Sharjah Sports Council race at the same track, has shown glimpses of ability and could shake up the finish if he handles the conditions well under Bernardo Pinheiro.

Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum’s trio—Jap Abeya, Jap Jazil, and Jap Kanan—adds further intrigue to the contest, all trained by Irfan Ellahi.

Each brings a strong record and tactical versatility, promising to play a key role in shaping the pace and testing the favourites.

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup will mark the return of much-anticipated Emirates Sprint Series.

Launched in 2022 under the directives of Sheikh Ahmed, patron of Jebel Ali Racecourse, the Emirates Sprint Series has rapidly become one of the cornerstones of UAE racing.

The series brings together the nation’s top sprinters, trainers, and jockeys, providing a platform for high-level competition while fostering the growth and profile of sprint racing in the country.

“This year, the Emirates Sprint Series will feature two legs,” said Mohammed Al Ahmed, Executive Director of the Emirates Sprint Series and General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sheikh Ahmed for his continuous support, which has been instrumental in the success of this initiative.”

Ahmed highlighted the series’ impact since its inception, noting that it has provided a clear roadmap for sprinters aiming for Group races and contests at the Dubai World Cup.

“Since we launched the series, it has served as a steppingstone for major successes. That was always the goal – to create a competitive platform across sprint races at different racecourses and to raise the standard of racing in the UAE.”

He added: “The participation of top horses from various stables underscores the series’ success and its growing stature, reflecting the high level of competition and quality of participants it continues to attract.”

Looking ahead to this year’s edition, Ahmed said: “We extend our best wishes to all participants and are confident that the competition will once again showcase the very best in sprint racing,” he added.

With top trainers like Bhupat Seemar, Michael Costa, Salem Bin Ghadayer, Musabbeh Al Mheiri in the fray, the Emirates Sprint Series opener promises an exciting showdown.

Costa saddles two strong contenders in Gabooll and Mozahim, Ghadayer sends Indicate who recently dominated Al Wasl Club Cup to display his dominance.

Seemar’s Morning, who the won the Emirates Sprint Series opener in Sharjah in 2024, looms as a major threat to rivals in the contest.

Shadwell’s Danyah brings proven class to the feature.

The nine‑year‑old Invincible Spirit gelding boasts a standout career highlight as a Group 1 winner, having dominated the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in 2023.

Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyaei, Director General of Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, praised Sheikh Ahmed in organising the fourth edition of the Emirates Sprint Series.

He stated: “It is sufficient to say that Sheikh Ahmed, the patron of Jebel Ali Racecourse, has left a clear and lasting imprint on the racing scene in the UAE. His vision and continued support have played a pivotal role in elevating the sport across the country.”

The card opens with Dubai Creek Tower, a 1200m dirt maiden for four-year-old and older colts, geldings bred in the UAE, with 16 runners set to compete in a fast-paced sprint.

Next up is Al Yasmeen race, also over 1200m on dirt, restricted to four-year-old fillies and mares.

Later, focus shifts to Al Ferdous, a 1700m conditions race. The excitement continues with the Palma Spring, a demanding 2000m contest.