Jebel Ali Mile, Emirates Sprint Series finale headline JARC’s ninth meeting

Jebel Ali Racecourse will hit its seasonal peak on Sunday as the iconic venue stages one of its most anticipated race meetings of the season.

The six-race card, marking the ninth meeting of the season, promises exceptional quality and is headlined by a trio of features: the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, and the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes.

Adding an elegant flourish to the afternoon, the Gallop & Glam Fashion Day theme is set to infuse the racecourse with vibrant style.

The Jebel Ali Mile, sponsored by A.R.M. Holding, is the flagship Group 3 Thoroughbred contest of the season at the racecourse.

Carrying a purse of Dhs700,000, the Mile has attracted 11 runners. More than just a seasonal highlight, it has become a proving ground for horses aiming to graduate to the global stage, often providing a telling preview of contenders bound for the Dubai World Cup.

David of Athens, the promising Nyquist colt trained by Hamad Al Jehani, is primed to make a powerful statement in the Jebel Ali Mile.

His challenge comes against two seasoned adversaries: Qareeb, last year’s winner from the stable of Musabbeh Al Mheiri, and Swing Vote, the gelding trained by Simon & Ed Crisford, who claimed the same title in 2024.

Ridden by James Doyle, four-year-old David of Athens arrives with a compelling record—three wins from seven career starts, all on dirt, highlighting his affinity for the surface.

Swing Vote, a Shamardal gelding in the colours of Rabbah Racing, boasts five wins from ten starts and carries the invaluable advantage of familiarity with the track.

Jebel Ali’s resident trainer, Michael Costa, has pinned his hopes on Sadaaty and Regheeb to make presence felt on home turf.

The Jebel Ali Sprint, serving as the finale of the Emirates Sprint Series, sets the stage for a thrilling showdown between international flair and homegrown talent.

Leading the overseas challenge is Spartan Arrow, the Sioux Nation gelding trained by Archie Watson and partnered by Hollie Doyle.

Challenging him is Morning, the highest-rated runner in the field at 105, trained by Bhupat Seemar. With a commanding victory in the opening leg of the Emirates Sprint Series, Morning shapes as one of the favourites for the overall title.

The Jebel Ali Stakes, sponsored by Media World, runs over 1,950 meters on dirt with a purse of Dhs500,000 and has drawn a fascinating field.

Headlining the race is the much-anticipated return of Kabirkhan, who captured global attention after winning the Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge during the 2024 Dubai World Cup Carnival.

Trained by Seemar for owner Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev, Kabirkhan faces strong challenges from Ian Williams’ Midak and Costa’s Saayedd.

Rounding out the 11-runner field is a mix of seasoned winners and emerging threats, including Excel Power from Salem Bin Ghadayer, Flying Honours from Ahmad Bin Harmash, the Crisfords’ Majestic Pride, and Arlan from Doug Watson—each adding depth and intrigue to the contest.

“This year, we have brought together the Jebel Ali Mile, Jebel Ali Sprint, and Jebel Ali Stakes to create an even bigger, more thrilling race day,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse and Executive Director of the Emirates Sprint Series.

“Alongside these feature races, the Al Nayifat Stakes and Al Nawayef Stakes for three-year-olds add an exciting new dimension to the card.”

“The biggest day of our season promises a spectacular fusion of style, competition, and excitement with Gallop & Glam.”

The Al Nawayef Stakes, sponsored by Emirates Airlines, is a conditions race for three-year-old colts and geldings over 1,400 meters, offering a purse of Dhs120,000. Leading the field is the promising Ashwaan, while Seemar also saddles Ordep in pursuit of victory. The Al Nayifat Stakes, also sponsored by Emirates Airlines, is for three-year-old fillies over 1,400 meters. The race features a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting debutantes.

The action kicks off with the ESS Stakes, which has drawn a competitive field of 14 runners. Leading the ratings is Al Fareeq, trained by Harmash, while Salman Al Sabri’s Split The Profit brings experience and the potential to spring a surprise.