Jebel Ali's Irish Race Day Strengthens UAE-Ireland Racing Ties

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Jebel Ali Racecourse celebrated its eighth meeting with a spectacular Irish Race Day, where the fusion of culture, sport, and camaraderie was on full display.

The afternoon was highlighted by trainer Bhupat Seemar saddling three winners, asserting a firm grip on the 2025–2026 UAE Trainers' Championship, while Doug Watson's Billy Webster, ridden by Pat Dobbs, clinched the feature Taste of Kildare Cup, adding to the day's excitement.

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“It's been an incredible day, celebrating the Irish Race Day at Jebel Ali. This event is a realisation of a dream, transforming a race day into something far beyond just a sport,” said Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse.“It's become a cultural exchange, a space for B2B connections, and an opportunity to introduce different cultures.”

The day highlighted the continuing partnership between Jebel Ali and The Curragh Racecourse, strengthened further by support from Gain Nutrition, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Into Kildare, Irish Tourism, and Goffs.

The presence of Alison Milton, Ireland's Ambassador to the UAE, alongside Her Highness Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscored the cultural and diplomatic significance of the event.

Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager of The Curragh and a former member of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), emphasised the importance of the link between UAE and Irish racing.

“The relationship between Jebel Ali and The Curragh has been longstanding, and Jebel Ali's sponsorship of the Dubai Irish Derby Day and the Juddmonte Irish Oaks Day races is vital,” said Arkwright, who was based in Dubai between 1993 and 1999.“This connection is key, not just for the races, but for fostering the UAE-Ireland relationship.”

On the track, Bhupat Seemar dominated with three victories, boosting his tally to 32 wins for the season and over Dhs 9 million in prize money, putting him firmly at the top of the trainer standings.

His wins included:

Bin Dasmal Group Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Race (6f, Handicap), Border Edge ridden by Tadhg O'Shea

Goffs Stakes (1m, Conditions), Omaha Front ridden by Andrew Slattery

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Stakes – Daaeemm Incentive Race (1m, Handicap), Devoirs Choice ridden by Tadhg O'Shea.

Beyond the racing, the day offered a platform to celebrate St. Brigid's Day (Women's Day in Ireland), enhancing the cultural exchange element.

Mohamed Al Ahmed highlighted the growing scope of the event:“A year ago, we launched Irish Race Day, and this year, it has grown even bigger, with more partners from Ireland joining us.”

The afternoon reinforced Jebel Ali Racecourse's vision of combining world-class racing with cultural celebration, while providing unforgettable moments for horse racing fans.

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