The UAE Horse Racing Authority announced the participation of 41 purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses in the second trial of the new 2026-2027 season held on Thursday morning at Jebel Ali Racecourse in Dubai. According to the authority’s statement 37 purebred Arabian horses competed including 28 debutants that had not previously participated in races and nine with prior experience while four Thoroughbreds that had raced before also took part. The authority issued the details through the Emirates News Agency highlighting the strong turnout for this early-season event.
Two races were staged over 1 000 metres and five over 800 metres the authority’s statement specified. These trial races are designed to gauge horses’ preparation levels ahead of the full racing calendar. The event proceeded smoothly with performances that reflected positive conditioning across the field.
Rashid Al Balushi a member of the Stewards Committee at the UAE Horse Racing Authority said the second race of the new season featured notable performances by purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses reflecting the horses’ state of preparation and readiness through these trial races. He explained that the races would continue according to a specific schedule in line with the approved calendar with the third race to be held next Wednesday. Al Balushi noted that measures were being put in place to ensure their success with strong cooperation from owners trainers and jockeys alongside the authority’s commitment to providing all requirements that enhance the racing experience as was the case last season.
This second trial follows a similar first trial held on September 30 at Meydan Racecourse which also featured 41 purebred Arabian horses according to a prior statement from the same authority. That earlier event included 37 first-time participants and four with previous racing experience over 1 000 metres. The consistent numbers across both trials indicate sustained interest from trainers and owners in the UAE’s structured racing programme.
The UAE Horse Racing Authority has emphasised maintaining the highest international standards in its events a position reinforced in statements surrounding both the first and second trials. British jockey Jack Mitchell is set to join the Dubai racing circuit from October 29 for the new season adding further international dimension to upcoming fixtures. Such developments build on the country’s established reputation for high-quality thoroughbred and Arabian racing.
