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The Museum of the Future served as the venue for the Emirates Racing Authority's awards ceremony on Sunday evening. The ceremony was graced by Engineer Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Member of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Authority, Major General Dr. Mohammed Issa Al Adhab, Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Dubai Racing Club, Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Director General of the Emirates Arabian Horse Association, Mohammed Al Ahmad, Director General of Jebel Ali Racecourse, and Suad Al Serkal, Director of Strategic Communications Department at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
The awards night attracted a star-studded lineup, with Doug Watson, the Champion Trainer, receiving his award for the eighth time, and Tadgh O'Shea, the rider, collecting his 11th trophy for another title-winning season. O'Shea dedicated the award to his mother's memory, who he tragically lost during the last campaign, and revealed that her passing motivated him to capture yet another title. Frances Crowley, the wife of the much-missed Pat Smullen, also made an appearance, along with her son Paddy, to present the Pat Smullen Exceptional Ride Award (Sponsored by JARC) to Sam Hitchcott.
Heartfelt Gratitude Expressed For Award Ceremony & Late Husband
Expressing her gratitude, Crowley conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to Jebel Ali Racecourse for inviting her to be part of the award ceremony and crown the deserving winner. She also thanked the Emirates Racing Authority for commemorating her late husband's life and career by dedicating an award in his name. Hitchcott, who received the award in Smullen's memory, was equally touched and honored by the recognition.“I was lucky enough to ride against Pat in a number of races and his passing was a great loss for the sport,” he said. “It is a great honour to receive such a prestigious award from Frances and it is wonderful that she is present in person.” Mohammed Al-Ahmad, General Manager of Jebel Ali, commented: “Sponsoring the award comes as a tribute and an appreciation for the period that the late Pat Smullen spent at Jebel Ali Stables. “His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was keen that Jebel Ali should sponsor the award.”
Marcelino Rodrigues claimed the title of Champion Apprentice after a successful season. Meanwhile, another promising talent, Sultan Al Jahoori, received recognition for his assistive role to his father Majid Al Jahouri and was honored with an award as well.“The ambition is to work harder and remain motivated to reach my aspirations,” he said. “I am learning so much at the moment and hopefully I can then be a trainer in my own right when the time is right.” The efforts of Hamad Al Marar were also recognised by the ERA who voted him best Rising Local Trainer, recognition which will serve as a motivation going forward. “The award doubles my responsibility and commitment to my profession and has added a lot to the horse racing industry in the UAE where it is considered a great incentive for all workers in horse racing,” commented Al Marar.
AF Albahar helped Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda secure his sixth Champion Owner award, as well as the Best Stallion Award. Al Nabooda expressed his excitement for the region's prosperous future based on these results. Additionally, Khalid Al Muhairi was honored with the Media Personality Award for his contributions to media.