Sharjah Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (SERC): The best venue for horse racing in Sharjah
- History
- Sharjah Equestrian and Horse Racing Club
- Sharjah Longines Racecourse
- Showjumping
- Arabian horse shows
- Other facilities
- Location
- Contact
Horses hold a very special place in the UAE’s culture. The magnificent creatures have long been associated with prestige, strength and perseverance. The ancient sport of horseracing is popular in Sharjah as well as the other emirates. The Sharjah Equestrian and Horse Racing Club or SERC is the premier venue for horse racing in Sharjah. Let’s find out more about this place and what it has to offer.
HISTORY OF HORSERACING IN THE UAE
Horseracing and other equestrian sports are very popular in the UAE. Thoroughbread race horses are highly priced in the country and used for major festivities and sporting events in the individual emirates.
The first-ever horse race was held in Dubai in 1981 over an old camel racetrack. Sharjah followed suit and it had its first thoroughbred flat race in 1983 at the Sharjah Grand Stand, now known as the Sharjah Longines Racecourse.
Professional horseracing has been prevalent in the UAE since 1992. Five international racecourses are present in the region currently to hold different races. These locations include the Dubai Racing Club in Nad Al Sheba, Abu Dhabi Dhabi Equestrian Club, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.
The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club or SERC is a prominent centre for horseracing in Sharjah. Let’s take a look at the facilities at the Sharjah Longines Racecourse.
SHARJAH EQUESTRIAN AND RACING CLUB (SERC)
When it comes to horseracing in Sharjah, the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club is a prestigious equine centre and home to the Sharjah Longines Racecourse.
The Sharjah Equestrian Club hosts prominent equestrian events including the annual Sharjah Arabian Horse Festival and the International Arabian Horse Festival. The club hosts show jumping tournaments as well.
SHARJAH LONGINES RACECOURSE AT SERC
When it comes to international standard horseracing, the Sharjah Longines Racecourse is one of the best venues at SERC. It boasts a 1,500 seat grandstand and one of the largest indoor facilities for horse riding. Sharjah Longines Racecourse holds major events throughout the year from November to April. The racetrack hosts six races per season.
To provide better services and an international grade racetrack, the ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, had devised a program to develop and renovate Sharjah Grand Stand in 1995.
After the renovation, the Sharjah Grand Stand was renamed as the Sharjah Longines Racecourse.
MAJOR HORSERACES IN SHARJAH AT SERC
Each year the Longines racecourse in Sharjah hosts several official races in different categories.
HIS EXCELLENCY SHEIKH DR SULTAN BIN KHALIFA AL NAHYAN CUP
- Surface: Durt
- Distance: 1200
- Class: Prestige 0-80
- Age/Sex: 4YO+
- Breed: PA
HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MANSOOR BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN CUP
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 1200
- Class: Prestige (UAE Bred) 0-80
- Age/Sex: 4YO+
- Breed: PA
HIS HIGHNESS THE CROWN PRINCE OF SHARJAH CUP
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 1200
- Class: Prestige (UAE Breed)
- Age/Sex: 4YO+
- Breed: PA
HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH AHMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM CUP
- Surface: Durt
- Distance: 2000
- Class: 70-90
- Age/Sex: NH 3YO+ & SH 4YO+
- Breed: TB
The GCC Cup
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance 1700
- CLASS: Prestige
- Age/sex: 4YO+
- Breed: PA
SHARJAH RULER CUP
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 1700
- CLASS: Prestige (UAE Bred)
- Age/sex: 4 & 5YO
- Breed: PA
SHARJAH MARATHON
- Surface: Dirt
- Distance: 2700
- CLASS: 0-65
- Age/sex: 5YO+
- Breed: PA
SHOWJUMPING AT SHARJAH EQUESTRIAN CLUB (SERC)
Besides horseracing, the Sharjah Equestrian Club (SERC) also hosts international showjumping championships each year. The club successfully holds two international showjumping events – the Sharjah International Show Jumping Competition World Cup Qualifiers and Sharjah Ruler Cup. These events attract several riders and equine sports buffs from around the globe.
ARABIAN HORSE SHOWS
Arabian horses are known around the world for their agility, unique features, strength and endurance for long journeys. For those who wish to witness the full glory of these majestic creatures, the Arabian Horse Shows held at the Sharjah Equestrian Club are a worth a visit.
The Club has some of the best breeds of Arabian Horses with an impressive pedigree. It was a part of the 1986 World Arabian Horses Organisation conference held in Morocco where UAE was accepted as a member of the prestigious club. The club organises local and international Arabian Horse shows each year.
OTHER FACILITIES AT THE SHARJAH EQUESTRIAN AND RACING CLUB
Besides the various disciplines including horseracing in Sharjah, the club also offers other facilities for equine sports buffs. Here’s a list of the different facilities at the club.
RIDING SCHOOL
Those looking for a professional horse riding experience can head to the Riding School at the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club. It is one of the finest training centres where riders can learn the art of horse riding for different disciplines. Female trainers are available to cater to women with a passion for horse riding.
A trainee rider will be required to graduate from the school after appearing in an examination by a specialised committee registered with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. Lessons are available for endurance, show jumping, dressage and flat racing.
- Timings: 08:00 am -12:00 pm | 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm (riding school is closed on Tuesdays)
- Contact: +971-6-531-1188
SHARJAH STUD FARM FOR ARABIAN HORSES
The club is also home to the Sharjah Stud farm with modern facilities to cater to Arabian horses and a professional team to care for the horses. The centre includes:
- 74 boxes build only for Arabian horses
- 4 sand paddocks
- 2 grass paddocks
- 1 Main grass arena
SERC LIVERY
The livery at the club offers comfortable stabling for horses participating in varying events. The livery also includes indoor and outdoor arenas.
LIVERY CHARGES:
- AED 3,000 per month for non air-conditioned box
- AED 3,500 per month for air-conditioned boxes
- AED 4,500 per month for indoor livery
Besides the aforementioned services, the Sharjah Equestrian Club also offers quarantine, transportation and stable renting for horses participating in different events and horse races in Sharjah.
SHARJAH EQUESTRIAN AND RACING CLUB LOCATION
The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club address is Interchange number 6 Al Dhaid Road, Al Atain, Sharjah (near Sharjah Airport).
SHARJAH EQUESTRIAN AND RACING CLUB CONTACT
For any queries please call +971-6-531-1155
Horse racing in Sharjah is a popular sport and Sharjah Equestrian and Horse Racing Club is home to one of the largest racetracks in the UAE. The venue hosts several horseraces each year that promote tourism. All the horse races in Sharjah are held under the strict guidelines and regulations implemented by the Emirates Racing Authority.
The Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club is another popular venue for equine buffs the capital city. The club offers riding lessons, shooting lessons and a massive gold course.
Similarly, the Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club in Abu Dhabi is another major centre for all things horse racing. It also has a prestigious Polo club that holds different events and tournaments each year.
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