The horse 'Big Josie', owned by Allegro Syndicate, trained by Charles O'Brien and ridden by Billy Lee, claimed the title of the Jebel Ali Racecourse and Dash Sticks Stables Listed race, held on Sunday afternoon under the directives and patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, founder of Jebel Ali Racecourse, as part of the Irish Derby Festival, within the framework of the partnership between Jebel Ali Racecourse and the Curragh.
The race, with total prize money of 100,000 euros, was run over 1,200 metres at the Curragh in Ireland, coinciding with the main event of the Group 1 Irish Derby sponsored by Dubai Duty Free.
The race attracted 10 horses aged three years and above on a fine evening before a notable crowd. Cheers rang out as 'Big Josie', the 5/2 favourite who had finished fourth in last year's edition, advanced to the finish line. It was the 89th career start for the veteran nine-year-old, who has now recorded 12 wins, including 10 at the Curragh.
In the 6-furlong Listed race, 'Big Josie' was carrying a penalty, and Billy Lee held him up in the middle of the track before switching him towards the stands rail to challenge 'California Dream' on the inside. The horse appeared in trouble when the leader 'Tango Flare' drifted across the track towards 'Buddy Bear'.
However, Lee timed his challenge to perfection, and 'Big Josie' surged powerfully to the line, winning by three-quarters of a length, while 'Tango Flare' narrowly held on for second ahead of 'Buddy Bear'. Following the conclusion of the race, Mohamed Al Ahmad, Director General of Jebel Ali Racecourse, presented the prizes to the winners.
Mohamed Al Ahmad, Director General of Jebel Ali Racecourse, affirmed that the strategic partnerships with international racecourses embody the vision of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, founder of the 'Yellow Track', in presenting a world-class model to be emulated, consolidating its leading position in sponsoring races in accordance with best practices.
Al Ahmad described the partnership with the Curragh in Ireland — sponsoring the Jebel Ali Racecourse and Dash Sticks Stables Listed race and, the previous day, the Englishtown Stables Handicap as part of the Irish Derby Festival — as a landmark occasion and a pivotal step towards achieving sustainable global growth in partnerships with prestigious racecourses around the world, and a further affirmation of Jebel Ali Racecourse's distinguished reputation in embracing developmental visions that contribute to enhancing the United Arab Emirates' leadership in equestrian sport.
Al Ahmad noted that the global reach Jebel Ali Racecourse has achieved over decades represents a firmly established approach and a central pillar in the world of equestrianism, in line with a modern vision that keeps pace with the global boom the sport is witnessing, building on the heritage of the sport that deepens the UAE's strategic position on the world map.
He added: