Jebel Ali Racecourse hosted a spectacular display of thoroughbred racing this Saturday, highlighted by significant milestones for key figures in the United Arab Emirates’ racing community. The afternoon’s feature event, the Zayed & Rashid Initiative Cup, witnessed a determined victory from Mashkoor under jockey Richard Mullen, marking a career-defining achievement for emerging trainer Marwan Al Baidhaei.
The victory represented a crucial breakthrough for Al Baidhaei, who has been steadily building his reputation within the UAE training circuit. Earlier this year, he received the prestigious ERA Najm Award recognizing his dedication, sportsmanship, and horse-first philosophy. Reflecting on Mashkoor’s performance, Al Baidhaei noted: ‘He’s a bit underrated, but he’s been training very well. I was slightly concerned as this was his seasonal debut, but carrying lightweight proved advantageous. When he saw competitors approaching at the 400-meter mark, he demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit.’
Meanwhile, British jockey Richard Mullen delivered an exceptional performance, securing three victories on the card. The veteran rider, long associated with Zabeel Stables and renowned for his 2013 Dubai Golden Shaheen triumph aboard Reynaldothewizard, demonstrated his enduring skill and tactical expertise. Two of Mullen’s wins came in partnership with reigning champion trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri, who himself enjoyed a highly successful afternoon.
Al Mheiri’s double victory propelled him to the top of the UAE trainer standings, making him the first to surpass the Dh 1 million prize-money threshold this season. His successes included Duke Of Immatin’s maiden victory in The 54th Stakes for two-year-olds and The Ice Phoenix’s stylish win in The Ghaf Tree Stakes. The champion trainer expressed optimism about both horses’ development, stating: ‘They both showed the attitude and progression we hoped for. It’s a long season ahead, and we’re excited about their potential.’
The event collectively highlighted the dynamic nature of UAE racing, featuring breakthrough performances from emerging talents alongside continued dominance from established champions, all contributing to the sport’s growing prestige in the region.