Dubai’s Al Marmoom racecourse hosted a compelling display of Arabian camel racing prowess last night, as the concluding challenges of the Thanya (three-year-old) class unfolded under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Camel Racing Club, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event, spanning 14 heats over a distance of 8 kilometers, saw fierce competition among the region’s leading camel racing stables.
The evening culminated in a strong showing from Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum’s Al Reayaa (The Presidency) stable and Sheikh Hamdan’s Al Shihaneya stable, securing several key victories. “Siyada,” representing Al Shihaneya under the guidance of trainer Salem Farhan Al Marri, claimed the Thanya Abkar (female) Open Cup, completing the course in a time of 12:00:2. “Mukafih,” also from Al Shihaneya and trained by Al Marri, secured the Thanya Jad’an (male) Open rifle, finishing in 12:06:8.
The Thanya class represents a crucial stage in a camel’s racing career, marking a transition from younger age groups to more competitive fields. Success at this level often indicates a camel’s potential for future championship contention, making these races highly sought-after and prestigious within the sport.
Zabel stable also made its mark, with “Al Saiha” winning the Thanya Abkar Mahaliyat (local female) Cup, setting the fastest time of the day for the Thanya class at 11:55:9, under the direction of trainer Rashid Mohammed Maroushad. Al Reayaa concluded the evening’s events with “Hemlol” winning the Thanya Jad’an Mahaliyat (local male) rifle, with a time of 11:58:8 and trainer Hamdan Mohammed Maroushad.
Earlier in the day, the morning challenges for the Thanya class also saw Al Shihaneya dominate. “Al Doha,” trained by Jarallah Mohammed Taleb Aqeel Al Nabit, opened the main heats with a win in the Thanya Abkar, clocking 12:07:0. “Nasi,” also from Al Shihaneya and trained by Salem Farhan Al Marri, added another victory in the Thanya Jad’an, finishing in 12:10:7. “Ghazlan,” again representing Al Shihaneya with trainer Salem Farhan Al Marri, secured the third heat for the Thanya Abkar in 12:09:4.
“Nashwa” from Al Reayaa, trained by Sultan Mohammed Al Wahibi, broke Al Shihaneya’s streak in the fourth heat for the Thanya Abkar, finishing in 12:08:5. “Ashqar,” again representing Al Shihaneya and trained by Salem Farhan Al Marri, recorded the fastest time of the morning session, completing the eighth heat in 12:03:5.
Alongside the racing, a significant auction of Arabian camel breeding stock took place at the thirteenth “J” Marmoom Production auction, held at the Marmoom Heritage Village. A “Bakra” (young female camel) from the lineage of “Al Dunjalawi – Al Asifa” and “Sudania” sold to Mohammed Ahmed Al Ghaith Al Marri for 550,000 dirhams, becoming the highest sale of the evening. Another female camel, from the lineage of “Al Fares – Al Asifa” and “Sugha” (via embryo transfer), was purchased by Rashid Saeed bin Dulewi for 450,000 dirhams. Al Ghaith Al Marri further strengthened his holdings by acquiring another camel from the same lineage for 380,000 dirhams.
What makes these auctions so important?
These auctions are critical for maintaining the quality and genetic diversity of Arabian camel racing stock. The high prices paid reflect the value placed on superior bloodlines and the potential for future racing success. Embryo transfer technology, as seen in several of the top sales, is increasingly used to propagate desirable traits and enhance breeding programs.
What is the role of the trainers in these victories?
Trainers like Salem Farhan Al Marri and Sultan Mohammed Al Wahibi play a pivotal role in preparing the camels for these races. Their expertise in conditioning, nutrition, and race strategy is essential for maximizing a camel’s performance. The consistent success of camels under their guidance highlights the importance of skilled training in this demanding sport.
How does the local breeding influence the racing scene?
The emphasis on local bloodlines, as evidenced by the Mahaliyat races, underscores the importance of preserving and developing indigenous Arabian camel breeds. These camels are often better adapted to the region’s climate and terrain, giving them a competitive advantage. The success of locally bred camels also reflects the dedication of Emirati breeders to maintaining this cultural heritage.
What’s next for the Al Marmoom Festival?
The Al Marmoom Festival continues to be a cornerstone of Arabian camel racing, attracting top competitors and enthusiasts from across the region. With further races and events planned, the festival promises to showcase the continued growth and evolution of this traditional sport. Will Al Shihaneya and Al Reayaa continue their dominance, or will other stables emerge as contenders in the coming days?
