Sam Turner -
Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club, has expressed his delight that globally renowned real estate developer Emaar have thrown their support behind the newly-revamped Dubai Racing Carnival. Speaking at a well-attended press conference at Meydan Racecourse to highlight the forthcoming ‘Festive Friday’ meeting – the biggest day of the Dubai racing season so far – Dr. Al Adhab welcomed Emaar Properties Executive Board Member Mr. Ahmed Al Matrooshi and thanked his company for their sponsorship of the inaugural fixture which forms one of the centrepieces of the racing calendar at Dubai’s most iconic track.
“Emaar is a huge part of the landscape of Dubai and a growing brand in luxury developments across the world,” said Dr. Al Adhab. “Their stunning Burj Khalifa is one of the most iconic buildings on the planet and highly visible from Meydan Racecourse.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the Emaar team and their guests to Meydan Racecourse and thank them for their support of this exciting new race meeting.” On the partnership with the DRC, Mr. Al Matrooshi said: “Emaar takes great pride in our partnership with the Dubai Racing Club to host the ‘Festive Friday’ evening.
We are thrilled to contribute to this remarkable sporting event. Reaffirming our commitment to enhancing the Dubai World experience, we blend top-tier sports with exceptional hospitality. “We eagerly anticipate this distinctive event that embodies our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, further elevating Dubai’s stature as a premier global destination.”
Emaar has an impressive portfolio including the most iconic and the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa; Dubai Mall, the world’s most visited mall and lifestyle destination; and Dubai Fountain, the largest performing fountain globally. Their expertise extends to hospitality, entertainment, and commercial sectors, both domestically and internationally.
Notably, Emaar has developed sought-after residential areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai Hills Estate, The Oasis, and several others, showcasing their commitment to comprehensive, high-quality developments. Also present at the conference was UAE trainer Bhupat Seemar along with Danish counterpart Soren Jensen, who announced himself on the Middle East stage after Good Fortune recorded a landmark victory in the rain when capturing the Zabeel Turf on a damp night in January, defying all odds in the process.
‘LET’S HOPE IT RAINS AGAIN’
The five-year-old returns to Dubai with Jensen optimistic he can again punch above his weight yet again. “He last ran at Longchamp in October and the winner of the race, Iresine, went on to contest the Japan Cup. Junko, who was third, has since won a Hong Kong Grade 1 so the form looks good and Good Fortune was only beaten eight lengths,” said Jensen. “I think he is a better horse this year than last, plus he is a little lower in the ratings which gives us a chance. Let us hope it rains again before he runs in January!” For his part, Seemar will enjoy plenty of representation on an enthralling Festive Friday card.
Although Dubai Creek Mile winner Al Nefud is being saved for targets in the New Year, Zabeel Stables will saddle the ever-youthful Secret Ambition, an honourable third to his illustrious stablemate last time, while Royal Mews also lines up to form a two-pronged attack on the strongly fancied Isolate. The “very, very high-class” Western Symphony joins new acquisition Walk Of Stars in The Entisar (1900m) with Antonio Fresu flying in to ride the latter. “Godolphin thought Walk Of Stars was good enough to run in the Epsom Derby as a three-year-old so he is a very exciting horse to have,” reveals Seemar.
EMBRACE THE FESTIVE SEASON
“We’re going to experiment with Western Symphony and try him over the 1900m. His pedigree suggests he has a chance of getting in, albeit he is a Shamardal, but there is a lot of stamina on the dam side of the pedigree. “We must find out now if he is capable of getting that sort of distance, otherwise we can go back to a mile in the future. “Among our other runners is Laneqash who will run in the Group 2 Al Rashidya after winning under Jim Crowley in Abu Dhabi. “I spoke to Jim and asked him if he thought Laneqash would get the 1800m and he thinks he will, but if he doesn’t, we can always come back in trip. He’s had a run so should be fit.”
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