Jebel Ali Racecourse witnessed an extraordinary demonstration of Emirati equestrian prowess as local trainers secured four victories during a single race day, underscoring the nation’s growing dominance in the sport. The remarkable achievement came just 24 hours after Emirati riders claimed top honors at the prestigious Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival.
Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer, operating from the renowned Fazza Stables established by Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, captured the featured Al Wasl Club Cup. His horse Indicate triumphed in the 1000-meter sprint before Excel Power secured another victory in the 1900-meter Al Awir Cup, completing bin Ghadayer’s impressive double.
Fellow Emirati trainer Ahmed bin Harmash matched this excellence with two wins of his own. Yasup claimed victory in the Shafar Investment Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Stakes, while Whitegate, ridden by emerging Emirati apprentice Khalid Al Balushi, won the Sprint Handicap Stakes.
Al Balushi expressed his enthusiasm following his first win of the 2025-2026 UAE flat season: ‘I am tremendously proud of today’s achievement. My gratitude goes to Ahmed bin Harmash for providing Emirati jockeys with opportunities to demonstrate our capabilities. This victory marks a significant milestone, and I anticipate further successes throughout the season.’
The day’s competitions commenced with the Porsche Cup, won by AF Muhem under the guidance of purebred Arabian specialist Ernst Oertel, adding international flair to the celebration of local talent.
These consecutive triumphs at Jebel Ali Racecourse and the Dubai International Endurance Village signal a transformative shift in Emirati participation across both flat racing and endurance disciplines, highlighting the successful development of homegrown equestrian expertise from training stables to the winner’s circle.