Jebel Ali hosts trial races as UAE racing season nears full launch
Forty-one horses — 37 purebred Arabians and four Thoroughbreds — competed across seven races at Jebel Ali Racecourse, marking the second of 26 trial sessions ahead of the official 2026-2027 UAE racing season. The event, held this morning, featured debut runners from domestic breeders and established stables, signaling strong momentum in the nation’s equine development pipeline.
The races were held over two distances — five at 800 metres and two at 1,000 metres — designed to test stamina and acceleration in young mounts. Rashid Al Belushi, a senior steward with the Emirates Racing Authority, confirmed the sessions proceeded as planned.
The season’s official opening is scheduled for October 22, 2026, at Abu Dhabi Turf Club, kicking off a 64-event calendar spanning five venues. Jebel Ali will host 11 meetings this season, maintaining its share from the previous campaign. The season’s climax falls on March 27, 2027, with the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan, the world’s richest race day.
Behind the scenes: training and preparation
Trainers across the UAE continue to follow established protocols balancing traditional horsemanship with modern practices. The Emirates Racing Authority maintains ongoing oversight of training methods, ensuring compliance with welfare standards, though specific technologies or mandatory protocols were not detailed in the source.
What this means for residents
For UAE-based horse owners and fans, the consistent scheduling of trials and races reinforces a growing equestrian culture. The Authority has not confirmed details on shuttle services, fan zones, or registration fees. Details on attendance, including parking and access, may be found via the ERA app or official announcements.
The next trial is set for October 14, 2026 — next Wednesday — at Jebel Ali, before the season fully swings into motion. For those attending, the experience remains focused on the heritage, skill, and enduring bond between horse and handler.
