The UAE racing world is small. The racing world in Dubai is even smaller and mostly well settled. Trainers and jockeys go off at times to run their horses in other parts of the world. But they always return before the UAE racing season start.
Therefore, when someone decides to leave, the surprise just does not wear off easily. Dhruba Selvaratnam, one of the most well-regarded trainers in the UAE, has done exactly that.
Although he retired before the beginning of the UAE season, the shock still reverberates through the racing community.
Until recently, Selvaratnam was responsible for the building and management of the Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables under the direction of owner, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “Jebel Ali (Racecourse) and I were inseparable for 27 years” he says.
Selvaratnam first came over from Ireland on 4 November 1990, after a fated meeting with HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in London. And there has been no looking back for the duo.
As head trainer at Jebel Ali Stables’ he held the record for the number of winners in a season, 67 wins. In the same year, his stable jockey, Willie Supple rode 75 winners. Another record. “Records are there to be broken, but trainers have tried very hard and not succeeded these past 20 years!” says Selvaratnam with obvious pride.
When he first came over from Ireland, Dubai was a very different place. A sand dune stoodin-place of Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables. Following the vision and specifications laid down by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the track and grandstand were constructed in 1990. An additional grand stand was added later along with a few other buildings. Selvaratnam supervised it all.
“I felt 27 years was a long time,we were very successful winning races,whether they be handicap races or group races.” Explains Selvaratnam, as the reason for his recent retirement.
His brother and erstwhile assistant trainer, Gopi Selvaratnam is now head trainer in his stead at Jebel Ali. But Dhruba is still missed by staff and all those who knew him on Friday afternoon’s at Jebel Ali Racecourse.
Well the interesting question to be asked is what does Selvaratnam hope to do in the coming years? “I have been to the foal and yearling sales in the autumn and bought a handful for friends of mine. It is hard to say what I will be doing in the near future but it will certainly be with horses.”Dhruba says with renewed enthusiasm.
Ofcourse Secretariat’s World wishes him all the best in his latest endeavours in green Ireland and beyond.
As a parting shot, when asked about Jebel Ali Stables’ likely candidates for Dubai World Cup 2018, he smiled enigmatically before saying, “Jebel Ali had a slow start to the new season, but I am hoping Morawij, Forjatt and Top Clearance will strike form soon.”
He may have left the stables but the trainer in him is yet to yet to retire.