David of Athens and Masmak share glory in rare Jebel Ali Mile dead heat

The ninth meeting of the Jebel Ali season dazzled with speed and style, as the Gallop & Glam Race Day theme added a sparkling, festive edge to a six-race card packed with competitive depth.

The spotlight shone on the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile, the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, and the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes, all delivering thrilling finishes that lived up to their billing. From precocious three-year-olds to seasoned sprinters and battle-hardened stayers, the afternoon was a glittering showcase of equine talent, blending the elegance of race-day fashion with the raw adrenaline of world-class racing.

The Jebel Ali Mile, sponsored by A.R.M. Holding, produced a finish worthy of its stature.

In a gripping stretch battle, Hamad Al Jehani’s David of Athens and Salem Bin Ghadayer’s Masmak crossed the line in unison, resulting in a dramatic and rare dead heat.

Ridden by James Doyle, the four-year-old son of Nyquist matched every stride of Masmak, with neither giving an inch in a breathtaking display of speed and determination.

Mount Kosciuszko (GB) was just behind in third, highlighting the quality and depth of the field.

“It’s been an amazing day — truly a brilliant race meeting. The atmosphere was, and it’s always special to enjoy racing on such a beautiful day. We’re also very grateful to our sponsors, including Emirates Airline and Media World, for their support,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse and Executive Director of the Emirates Sprint Series.

“It’s wonderful to see international runners competing here and performing so strongly. Competitive racing like this adds tremendous value to the sport, especially at Jebel Ali Racecourse, where the atmosphere has been outstanding,” he added.

Miroslav Nieslanik’s Ponntos put on a scintillating display to dominate the Jebel Ali Sprint, the second leg of the Emirates Sprint Series. From the moment the gates flew open, the eight-year-old bay surged forward under Billy Loughnane, breaking cleanly and setting a blistering pace. Ponntos’ power and poise were on full display as he carved through the final furlongs, never looking back. Peter Charalambous and James Clutterbuck’s Apollo One tried valiantly to mount a challenge but could only watch as Ponntos streaked away, finishing a commanding 2.64 lengths clear.

Bhupat Seemar completed the double after Killer Collect edged past Doug Watson’s Arlan by a razor-thin 0.14 lengths in the concluding feature, the Jebel Ali Stakes, sponsored by Media World. The race unfolded as a true spectacle, with every stride charged with intensity, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Killer Collect showcased composure, responding perfectly to twelve-time UAE Champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea to fend off a relentless challenge from Arlan. For a few heart-stopping seconds, the result hung precariously in the air as the five-year-old son of Collected surged in the final furlong to claim victory. Cagliostro stayed on gamely to complete the frame, but the day belonged to Seemar’s charge.

“As for our collaboration with Jebel Ali, we are delighted to be part of such a successful and well-organized event,” said Amer Ahrari, chairman of Media World.

“Everything has been handled professionally, and we truly enjoyed the day. This marks our first time joining the board, and it has been a very positive experience. We look forward to continuing this partnership and fully intend to be involved again next season,” he added.

Earlier, Seemar claimed victory in the Al Nawayef Stakes, sponsored by Emirates Airline, with Ordep producing an authoritative performance. Ridden by Andrew Slattery, the Essential Quality gelding traveled powerfully throughout the contest and asserted his dominance with a commanding margin of over five lengths.

Salem Bin Ghadayer’s Music Land and Ahmad Bin Harmash’s Yamdeek were unable to match Ordep’s relentless pace, leaving the winner to cross the line in impressive style.

Ghadayer also added his name to the day’s roll of honor after She’s Essential emerged victorious in the Al Nayifat Stakes, sponsored by Emirates Airline. Guided by Jose Santiago, the young filly refused to yield as Harmash’s Dialed to Dubai pressed relentlessly. The two indulged in a neck-and-neck fight, but She’s Essential managed to get past her rival.

Jebel Ali’s resident trainer Michael Costa claimed victory in the opening race of the card, the ESS Stakes, with Mazloom.