The popular HH Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Breeders Society Challenge for Purebred Arabians makes its return to Jebel Ali Racecourse this weekend with an attractive looking maiden’s race for horses bred in the UAE. A field of 15 runners, who have previously never won a race, will battle over 1,200 metres for a purse of Dh40,000 presented by the Emirates Horses Breeders Society. Friday’s card also features a nine-runner conditions event for thoroughbreds which is generously sponsored by Shadwell Farm, the Kentucky-based facility of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance’s thoroughbred breeding operation. Welcoming back the UAE Breeders Society Challenge series Terry Sprago, Senior Broadcast Manager at the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), said: “It’s good to see most of the top stables represented in the opening event of the series, which looks a very competitive race. “We’ve had a great start to the brand new season at Jebel Ali Racecourse who continue their good work to attract some of the best horses in the country to the compete at the venue. “Friday’s card looks attractive and a very interesting field of nine runners will compete in the feature race sponsored by Shadwell Farm. Derrinstown Stud also make their presence known by sponsoring a competitiv e handicap which has drawn many regular runners at the course.” Representing Al Habtoor Motors, who will give away a brand new Mitsubishi Lancer and an iPad to one lucky kid, Jagdish Parulekar stressed the importance of keeping the race goers happy and entertained. “Al Habtoor has been at the forefront of supporting familes and we think Jebel Ali Racecourse gives us the perfect opportunity to do so,” he said, “I don’t belive that many sports carry the passion that runs as deep as it does in horse racing. The level of fun and entertainment is unsurpassed. “Racing at Jebel Ali is wonderfully organised and we want to show our appreciation by conducting raffles for cars, lucky dips for Ipads and colouring competitions.” Engineer Shareef Al Halawani, Manager, Jebel Ali Racecourse, thanked the main sponsors and companies who have supported the events with their free give-aways for the general public. “We thank our generous sponsors and co-sponsors and appreciate their support which helps attract fans to Jebel Ali Racecourse,” he said. “As usual we will give away 130 valuable prizes which include mobile phones, televisions and other electronic items. “Jebel Ali Racecourse will continue to co-operate with the Ministry of Social Affairs to support the public with the help of Major General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security.” Racing starts at 2.25pm on Friday, and entrance to the racecourse is free. From Gulfnews