Sizzling Seemar seals treble as Watson’s Billy Webster wins Taste of Kildare Cup

Bhupat Seemar saddled three winners, while Doug Watson’s Billy Webster claimed victory in the Taste of Kildare Cup, as the Irish Race Day festivities highlighted the eighth meeting at Jebel Ali Racecourse.

Emirati trainer Salem Bin Ghadayer also left a strong impression on the day, ensuring he didn’t leave the track empty-handed as Excel Power captured the Gain Equine Nutrition International Stakes, one of three features supported by Irish entities.

Billy Webster, guided by Patrick Dobbs, held off a fierce late surge from Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga’s Donde Firmo, clinching victory by just 0.45 lengths.

Seemar’s dominance began in the Bin Dasmal Group Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Race, where Border Edge, expertly guided by Tadhg O’Shea, stormed home in 1:13.14, crossing the line 2.83 lengths ahead of Saarim.

He struck again in the Goffs Stakes, as Omaha Front surged to victory with authority, leaving Michael Costa’s Saleett just 1.61 lengths behind.

Seemar’s treble was completed in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Race, where Devoirs Choice edged the favorite Muntasir by a mere 0.51 lengths.

Earlier in the day, the meeting opened with the Porsche Cup, where the four-year-old grey filly Mokheefa NF, trained by Helal & Tahnon Alalawi and ridden by Hamed Al Busaidi, demonstrated poise and speed, finishing ahead of Anthony Gammell’s Almukhater.

The Irish Race Day Stakes highlighted the future stars of the turf. Ishtiah, trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri and ridden by Richard Mullen, left his rivals in his wake with sheer speed, winning comfortably by over 3.5 lengths ahead of Moudeem.

The meeting concluded with Fawzi Nass’s National Interest claiming victory in the final race, The Curragh, Where Champions Are Made – Daaeemm Incentive Race.

“It’s been an incredible day, celebrating the Irish Race Day at Jebel Ali. This event is a realization of a dream—transforming a race day into something far beyond just a sport. It’s become a cultural exchange, a space for B2B connections, and an opportunity to introduce different cultures, said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.

“This is the vision we’ve had at Jebel Ali, and it’s part of our responsibility to enhance the race day experience. A year ago, we launched Irish Race Day, and this year, it has grown even bigger, with more partners from Ireland joining us.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with The Curragh Racecourse, Gain Nutrition, and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. This year, Into Kildare, Irish Tourism and Goffs have become significant contributors to this wonderful day, and we’re grateful for the support of Alison Milton, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE, and the Ireland Embassy, who held St. Brigid’s Day (also recognized as Women’s Day in Ireland) at the Hidden Gem.

“I would like to thank Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the board members of Jebel Ali Racecourse, for their unwavering support.”

“It’s a great honour to have Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with us today. It has truly been a remarkable day, strengthened by our Irish partners,” he added.

Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager of The Curragh said: “The relationship between Jebel Ali and The Curragh has been longstanding, and Jebel Ali’s sponsorship of the Dubai Irish Derby Day and the Juddmonte Irish Oaks Day races is vital. This connection is key, not just for the races, but for fostering the UAE-Ireland relationship. The presence of the Irish Ambassador and several Irish companies today highlights the importance of this partnership.”

Milton said: “It’s an honor to be here today. As Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE, I’m incredibly proud to witness the success of the Irish Race Day, which started as a brilliant idea just a year ago. Seeing it grow and improve in its second year fills me with pride. This event is a testament to the growing connection between Ireland and the UAE.

“Today also marks a special occasion for us—it’s Women’s Day in Ireland, celebrating St. Brigid’s Day, on February 1st. Although last year’s race fell on the same day, we couldn’t let this opportunity pass without celebrating the occasion. I am truly honored to have Her Highness Sheikha Hissa with us today on this significant day for Ireland, she added.