Al Ain Racing Club recently hosted its much-anticipated tenth racing event of the season, featuring two premier competitions: the second round of the Al Ain Marathon and the Al Ain Derby.
The events unfolded on Sunday and attracted considerable attention with total prize money reaching 570,000 Dirhams. The highlights of the evening included the Al Ain Marathon taking place during the seventh race, covering 4,100 meters, with prizes amounting to 110,000 Dirhams.
"The Al Ain Derby features exceptional competitors as only Emirati horses aged four years can participate, with 100,000 Dirhams offered as prizes," said the event coordinator. This year’s derby sees top contenders such as Jab Abiya, Al-Mutasim, and A.S. Fawaz all vying for the top spot.
The evening kicked off with the first race aimed at four-year-old Arabian horses, competing over 1,800 meters for 70,000 Dirhams. Following this was the second event featuring horses aged five and up, racing over similar distances with prizes of 80,000 Dirhams.
The fourth race witnessed novice horses battling it out for the 70,000 Dirhams prize over a mile distance, demonstrating the depth of talent across various categories.
Intensity peaked with the fifth race, focusing on four-year-old novice horses, again set at 1,400 meters, and boasting prizes of 70,000 Dirhams. The sixth race concluded the preliminary rounds with seasoned Emirati horses racing for another set of prizes totaling 70,000 Dirhams.
Organizers ensured every detail was arranged, stating, “We are excited to welcome attendees to experience the thrill of horse racing and to potentially win cash prizes via horse predictions.”
Much anticipation surrounded the participation of Al-Shahaniya, the winner of the first race of the Al Ain Marathon, who aimed to secure another victory against close competitor Aadi, who holds additional weight advantages this time.