The Dubai Racing Club is pleased to announce the appointment of recently retired champion jockey Michael Kinane as Ambassador for the inaugural Meydan Masters, an international Jockeys Challenge to be held at Meydan Racecourse on Friday March 5.

The Meydan Masters is a unique international Jockeys Challenge bringing together riders who have won some of the world’s premier races during the previous year.

Unfortunately, commitments have forced the withdrawal of Americans Mike Smith and Calvin Borel as well as Irishman John Murtagh, however those that rode the winners of the alternate races have been invited and accepted; Kent Desormeaux, (who won the Belmont Stakes on Summer Bird), Jamie Spencer (Irish Oaks aboard Sariska) and Richard Hills (1000 Guineas aboard Ghanaati).

“The way racing is now, top class jockeys have international commitments and we are mindful of that but Kent Desormeaux, Jamie Spencer and Richard Hills are all masters of their profession and we are equally excited that they have accepted our invitation,” said Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr.

Michael Kinane won two of the races within the invitation list for the Meydan Masters, the Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but his retirement prevented him from competing in the inaugural Series. However, the Dubai Racing Club was quick to ensure that he was involved nonetheless.

“Michael Kinane would have been here but for his retirement, so we thought it befitting that he should be here as the Ambassador for the inaugural Meydan Masters,” said Dubai Racing Club Board Member Malih Lahej Al Basti.

“In the world of racing Michael needs no introduction. His record is second to none and is counted amongst the best the world has seen. No other jockey in the rich history of horse racing has achieved what he has and it will be a long time before any jockey emulates his success in a leg of the famous American Triple Crown, the Melbourne Cup, Japan Cup and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”

“Michael has been a great supporter of horse racing in Dubai, he has ridden at every Carnival from 2004 to 2009 and we greatly appreciate that he has accepted our invitation.”

Friday March 5th racemeeting offers a number of hospitality options available to suit all tastes. Entrance to the public areas of Meydan Racecourse is free of charge and there are also complimentary transfers at the end of the night from Meydan Racecourse to Emirates Towers and Souk Madinat.