The annual horse racing programme at Al Rahba Racecourse opened with eight races featuring Arabian and Thoroughbred horses, as owners, trainers and jockeys competed for victories in an opening meeting that highlighted the depth of local racing talent and the readiness of horses for the season ahead.
The programme featured races over 1,600 metres and 1,200 metres, with Arabian horses forming a prominent part of the competition alongside Thoroughbreds. Victories were shared among several owners, trainers and jockeys, reflecting the variety of competitors taking part in the meeting.
In the opening race, the Wadi Bani Khalid Stakes for locally bred Arabian horses over 1,600 metres, BM Al Mubtahij claimed first place. Ridden by Adam bin Talib al Balushi and trained by Ammar bin Abdul Rahim al Balushi, the winner is owned by Mohammed bin Salim al Abdulsalam.
Al Marabet SA took the honours in the second race, the Wadi Shab Stakes for Arabian horses over the same distance. The horse, owned by Saeed bin Abdullah Al Riyami, was ridden by Abdulaziz bin Fahd al Balushi and trained by Hassan bin Mohammed al Falahi.
The third race, the Wadi Dawkah Stakes for Thoroughbreds over 1,600 metres, went to Dubai Welcome. Owned by Amer bin Rashid al Mahrouqi, the winner was ridden by Anas bin Salim al Siyabi and trained by Al Yaqdhan bin Ali al Farsi.
Fadel secured first place in the fourth race, the Wadi al Abyadh Stakes for Arabian horses over 1,600 metres. Owned by Abdullah bin Hamoud al Abri, the horse was ridden by Mu'nis bin Salim al Siyabi and trained by Hassan bin Mohammed al Falahi.
The action then moved to the 1,200-metre races. Sahel al Batinah won the fifth race, the Wadi Haibi Stakes for locally bred Arabian horses. The horse is owned by Saleh bin Ali al Ghanbousi, trained by Bassem bin Abdullah al Shukaili and ridden by Abdulrahman bin Talib al Farsi.
'LOOK AT ME' CLAIMS VICTORY
Look At Me claimed victory in the sixth race, the Wadi Dayqah Stakes for Arabian horses. Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Shihab al Balushi, the winner was trained by Sultan bin Mohammed al Balushi and ridden by Tariq bin Ibrahim al Azri.
Sound Money won the seventh race, the Wadi Andam Stakes for Thoroughbreds. Representing Al Saltanah Stud, the horse was trained by Mohammed bin Ali al Hosni and ridden by Hamad bin Sultan al Malki.
The meeting concluded with the Wadi al Jizzi Stakes for Arabian horses over 1,200 metres, where Cosmos de Faust finished first. Owned by Asim bin Abbas al Ajmi, the horse was trained by Ahmed bin Saeed al Balushi and ridden by Adam bin Talib al Balushi, who thus recorded two victories during the meeting.
'PREPARATION KEY TO SUCCESS'
Saeed bin Abdullah al Riyami, owner of Al Marabet SA, said the victory at the start of the season provided valuable motivation for the team to maintain its progress and pursue further positive results. He highlighted the importance of preparation, horse fitness and cooperation between owners, trainers and jockeys, adding that local races help improve horse performance and develop expertise across the sport.
Anas bin Salim al Siyabi, who rode Dubai Welcome to victory in the third race, said success required concentration throughout the distance, sound judgement during the race and an effective understanding of the horse's capabilities. He added that a strong start to the season would encourage jockeys to maintain competitive performances in upcoming meetings.
Trainer Hassan bin Mohammed al Falahi said the victories of Al Marabet SA and Fadel demonstrated the importance of technical preparation and careful monitoring of horses ahead of competition. He stressed that selecting the right race strategy and maintaining coordination between trainers, jockeys and owners were essential to achieving the desired results.
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