Oscar Chavez rides Road Bloc in Listed Jebel Ali Sprint. File
Building on the resounding success of the past two editions, the HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup heralds the thrilling return of the highly anticipated Emirates Sprint Series.
This prestigious competition promises to captivate racing enthusiasts with its electrifying blend of speed and strategy.
The journey begins at the Sharjah Longines Racecourse, which will host the second meeting of their season this Sunday.
Featuring a cracking six-race card, the day is set to deliver high-octane excitement. At its heart are two co-featured sprint events, each boasting a generous prize purse of Dhs200,000, attracting top talent from across the region.
HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup, sponsored by Dubai Real Estate Centre, and Emirates Sprint Series has attracted a quality field of runners.
The Emirates Sprint Series was launched last season on the directives of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the patron of Jebel Ali Racecourse. ‘Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup sets the stage for a thrilling three-leg series,’ said Mohamed Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Emirates Sprint Series and General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.
‘I extend my deepest gratitude to Sheikh Ahmed for his unwavering support of this series, which plays a pivotal role in empowering owners and trainers to strive for excellence.
‘Following the extraordinary success of the inaugural edition, we have witnessed a remarkable shift, with many owners and trainers now dedicating their efforts to preparing their sprinters specifically for this prestigious series.
‘This carefully crafted initiative not only enhances competition but also adds significant value to the UAE’s vibrant racing landscape, cementing its status as a hub of equestrian excellence,’ he added.
Ahmed highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Emirates Sprint Series, which unites tracks across the UAE in a shared vision of excellence.
‘The series is a testament to the synergy among our racing venues, showcasing the best of UAE racing,’ he remarked.
‘I eagerly anticipate the opener, as the competition promises to be as fierce and electrifying as ever at the Sharjah Longines Racecourse for the third consecutive year.
The first leg of the series has attracted a stellar field, with horses boasting a rating above 100. The participation of top horses from various stables underscores the series’ success and its growing stature.
Last year, Sayed Hashish’s Colour Up shined bright in the A.R.M Holding-sponsored Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, which was the third and final leg of the Emirates Sprint Series.
This was the second straight victory for Hasish in the Emirates Sprint Series, as ridden by Oscar Chavez the Road Bloc, in the silks of Hashish and Hana Refai, landed the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint and the HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup last season.
He landed the coveted prize again, with Colour Up previously winning the second leg of the series, the Listed Garhoud Sprint at Meydan on December 8.
Road Bloc, the 6-year-old gelding, returns to the track under the skilled guidance of jockey Chavez for another bid at glory in the highly coveted series.
With a wealth of experience and a proven competitive edge, Road Bloc has shown time and again that he possesses the grit and determination required to contend with the best.
Another sprinting feature is the HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup for Purebred Arabians.
Saif Al Balushi and Khalifa Al Neyadi teamed up with Yas Xmnsor to land the Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup in the last season.
14 are in the fray, including AH Haizum, Arkan Al Wathba, and Badraan Baynounah.
Fourteen impressive contenders are set to line up in what promises to be a fiercely contested race, including notable names like AH Haizum, Arkan Al Wathba, and Badraan Baynounah. These elite horses bring a blend of pedigree and potential to the track, each one with the ability to make a mark in this prestigious event.