The adrenaline-fueled world of Purebred Arabian racing returned with a bang this past Saturday at the **Sharjah Longines Racecourse**. In what was a spectacular opening meeting for the new season, Yas Racing’s **Sha’an** stole the spotlight, delivering a powerhouse performance to secure the prestigious Sharjah Sports Council Race.
The season opener, which featured six high-octane races, was attended by several high-profile figures, including **Sheikh Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi**, Chairman of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, and **Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyaee**, Director of the club. At **Business Promotion24**, we are excited to bring you the full highlights of this action-packed day.
### Sha’an Edges Out Stablemate in a Final Stretch Duel
The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the Sharjah Sports Council Race. **Sha’an**, a son of Mahabb, was guided by jockey **Samuel Legrix** in a tactical masterclass. Throughout the contest, Sha’an was locked in a fierce battle with his stablemate, Saafeer.
As the pair entered the final stages, the crowd held its breath. However, Sha’an found another gear in the closing strides, pulling clear to win by nearly a length. This victory sets a high bar for Yas Racing for the remainder of the season.
### Dominant Displays and Photo Finishes
The opening meeting wasn’t just about the main event; the undercard provided plenty of drama.
* **Asim Baynounah’s Commanding Start:** The day began with a bang as **Asim Baynounah**, owned by Abu Dhabi Racing, dominated the opening race sponsored by Sharjah Municipality. Trained by Saif Al Mehairi and ridden by Sandro Paiva, the RB Burn colt surged ahead to win by an emphatic 6.48 lengths over 1,200 metres.
* **A Thriller for Bashasha Al Reef:** The Sharjah Public Works Department race saw a head-to-head battle between **Bashasha Al Reef** and Waseem Baynounah. Ridden by Qais Al Busaidi, Bashasha Al Reef showed incredible stamina to edge ahead in the final furlong.
* **A Debut to Remember:** **Rabdan Al Buhais** made a winning debut in the Maliha Municipality race. Ridden by Hamed Al Busaidi, the grey colt finished with a time of 1:05.29, barely beating Muntaha AW by a fraction of a second.
* **AS Mared Al-Bahr Triumphs:** In the fourth race, sponsored by Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, **AS Mared Al-Bahr** took the honors with Bernardo Pinheiro in the irons.
* **AF AlHazem Closes the Show:** The finale saw **AF AlHazem**, trained by Ernst Oertel and ridden by Marcelino Rodrigues, dictate the tempo from start to finish over 2,000 metres.
### A Bright Season Ahead for UAE Horse Racing
Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyaee expressed his delight at the season’s start, stating, *”The impressive performances across the six races reflect the dedication of the owners, trainers, and jockeys. We look forward to another memorable season.”*
As the season progresses, fans can look forward to signature events like the **HH The Ruler of Sharjah Cup** and the **HH Sharjah Crown Prince Cup**. For more exclusive sports coverage and business insights in the UAE, keep following **Business Promotion24**.
Whether you are a racing enthusiast or a local business looking for growth, **Business Promotion24** remains your primary source for regional updates. The success of the Sharjah Longines Racecourse is a testament to the growing strength of the sport in the UAE, and we are proud to cover every milestone.