Local Dynasty wins the Season Opening Cup at Jebel Ali Racecourse
Jebel Ali Racecourse opened its 2026–27 season with an emotional and memorable racing meeting as Local Dynasty claimed victory in the Season Opening Cup, delivering an impressive performance for trainer Doug Watson.
The meeting carried special significance as the first at the historic Dubai racecourse following the passing of its founder, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in September.
Racing officials, trainers, owners, and members of the equestrian community gathered to celebrate his extraordinary contribution to UAE horse racing.
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Local Dynasty Claims the Spotlight
The highlight of the opening meeting was the Season Opening Cup, where six-year-old gelding Local Dynasty produced a determined performance to defeat Haasim.
Trained by Doug Watson, Local Dynasty faced a serious challenge from the Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga-trained Haasim.
The two horses battled closely throughout the feature race, creating an exciting contest for spectators.
However, Local Dynasty demonstrated impressive determination in the closing stages, finding the necessary acceleration to secure victory.
According to Gulf Today’s race report, the victory was one of the standout moments of the opening meeting.
Remembering a Racing Visionary
Beyond the competition, the meeting served as a tribute to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose commitment helped establish Jebel Ali Racecourse as an important destination for UAE racing.
Sheikh Ahmed played a fundamental role in developing the venue and supporting the sport over several decades.
His racing operation became widely recognized for its distinctive yellow silks and achievements on the international stage.
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Director General and Board Member of the Emirates Racing Authority, joined Jebel Ali Racecourse General Manager Mohamed Al Ahmed and leading trainer Bhupat Seemar in paying tribute to his legacy.
The gathering emphasized the racing community’s determination to preserve Sheikh Ahmed’s vision and continue developing the sport.
A Successful Day for Doug Watson
Local Dynasty’s victory was part of an impressive opening meeting for trainer Doug Watson.
Watson completed a double when Azan secured victory in the Umm Suqeim Stakes.
The race provided another exciting finish as Azan faced strong opposition from Exculpation, trained by Salem bin Ghadayer and ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro.
Azan ultimately prevailed, adding another important result to Watson’s successful afternoon.
The trainer’s two victories highlighted the competitive quality of the opening programme.
Other Notable Winners
Several other horses delivered impressive performances during the meeting.
Namaguederaz, representing the Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga training partnership, won the Commercial Bank of Dubai Stakes.
Trainer Bhupat Seemar also celebrated victory when Kalidasa delivered a commanding performance in the Sufouh Stakes.
Meanwhile, Yasup, trained by Ahmad bin Harmash, captured the Dubai Refreshment Cup.
Qaiss Aboud’s runner won the opening Maiden Sprint Stakes, while On the Way provided Salem bin Ghadayer with another success in the Al Shafar Investment Stakes.
These results demonstrated the depth of competition among the UAE’s leading racing stables.
A New Season for UAE Racing
The opening meeting at Jebel Ali marked another important chapter in the UAE’s growing horse racing calendar.
According to the Emirates Racing Authority, the 2026–27 season features 64 race meetings across five racecourses.
Jebel Ali is scheduled to host 11 meetings, continuing its longstanding tradition of competitive Thoroughbred racing.
The wider UAE racing programme also includes major international events at Meydan, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain.
Continuing an Extraordinary Legacy
As racing returned to Jebel Ali, the meeting reflected both sporting achievement and a shared commitment to preserving the racecourse’s heritage.
Local Dynasty’s victory provided a fitting highlight to an emotional opening day, while the tributes to Sheikh Ahmed reinforced the lasting influence of his dedication to the sport.
With another exciting season underway, Jebel Ali Racecourse continues to play an important role in the UAE’s equestrian landscape.
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