Super Saturday card staged in Dubai despite Middle East worries

Meydan’s Super Saturday card in Dubai took place despite military action in the Middle East.

US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.

The attack prompted retaliation from Iran, with missiles reported to have targeted Israel and countries across the Middle East.

Veteran racing broadcaster Derek Thompson was at Meydan – for what is the last big meeting in Dubai before World Cup night on March 28 – and said “bangs and flashes” were visible.

“I’ve been in Dubai a few days now and I did think the meeting might be called off, but I rang the boss of the racecourse before racing and he said it was going ahead and wanted me to spread the word,” Thompson told the Press Association.

“It’s great to be racing, but speaking personally it’s a very difficult situation and people are discussing it. While we’ve been at the racecourse tonight there have been bangs and flashes and we hear one of the big hotels has been set on fire.

“I was due to fly back tomorrow, but obviously that has been delayed, apparently there’s a 72-hour delay. We’re trying to stay calm, but it is a worrying time for everyone.

“I’ve been talking to Sheikh Mohammed after his brother’s horse won. He’s a great leader of this country and it was lovely to see him here, he’s not getting any younger, he’s in his 70s but people support him. He stopped for a chat with me.”

Jamie Insole, who trains Dividend who finished second in the Singspiel Stakes, was unsurprisingly “concerned”.

“Everything is a bit of a concern and we’ve got a lot of people out there who could be concerned, and everybody is concerned about flights home and stuff.

“It’s really hard when racing is going ahead and there’s this crisis on, and it’s really hard to paint a picture when the evidence is very vague.

“I think everyone needs to look after themselves and do what’s best for them, hopefully everyone stays safe and everything happens correctly.

“I’m not too sure with how it works, hopefully people will be able to get back. The consulates will help if the country does shut down properly.

“Rossa (Ryan, jockey) has said to me that he heard from Emirates that they are hoping to get flights out tonight and fly back. They are hoping it was just a daytime issue, but otherwise I don’t know much more information.”

Dubai’s government information office released a statement which read: “In light of the ongoing regional developments, Dubai continues to conduct its business as usual, with the assurance that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors remains at the forefront of our priorities.

“The United Arab Emirates possesses an integrated and effective crisis response system, ensuring high readiness and swift handling of various emerging situations.

“The relevant authorities are closely monitoring developments around the clock, in full coordination with relevant partners, and will promptly inform the public of any updates that require announcement.

“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to maintaining security and stability, and ensuring the continuity of normal life and all services with efficiency.”

Chloe Dods, daughter of Darlington-based trainer Michael Dods, is currently in Bahrain with two horses from her father’s yard and said she had witnessed air strikes at first hand.

She told The Northern Echo: “I heard the sirens and felt the windows rattle in my apartment when the missiles struck – then I saw black smoke rising.

“It was frightening at the time, and it all feels a bit weird at the moment because it’s so unpredictable. No one knows what’s going to happen next. We’ve been told to stay close to our accommodation and avoid unnecessary travel.

“Before this happened, it had been a great experience – I’ve loved it – but it’ll be nice to get back home now.”