Juma Al Muhairi: Expect four days of excitement in Al Marmoom as local Saluki race pedigrees put on a show of speed and stamina

Dubai, 26 January 2021: Dubai’s Al Marmoom racetracks will host one of the most popular heritage sports in UAE – the 14th Saluki Championship – for four consecutive days from January 29 until February 1.  

Salukis, the Bedouin hunting dogs, will once again put on a show of speed and stamina. The 14th edition of Saluki Championship is organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC). Registration opened a couple of weeks ago on F3 Championships app and completed in the dedicated tent.

Salukis were among the first canine breeds to be domesticated and Bedouins used salukis for hunting. Salukis or greyhounds can run up to 65km/ph. In 1996, the Guinness World Records listed the fastest saluki as having reached a speed of 68.8km/ph.

More races
Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, the number of matches for each Saluki category and qualifying race was increased and the number of trainers releasing the Salukis was reduced to 11 per race.

Juma Al Muhairi, Head of the Saluki Championship at HHC commented: “In line with the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have segmented the qualifying races of the Saluki Championship this season. The registration system has also been upgraded and it was made easy to each registrants as the time slot dedicated for the registration has decreased to less than two minutes between one registrant and the other.”

“We noticed from the registrations that local Saluki pedigrees have grown popular among Emiratis seeking to excel in this sport. Participants this season are looking at quality race Salukis rather than competing with large numbers – some of which may not be well trained. This is a strong indication that the championship has earned status and attracts professionals. The improved level of managing the championship and the professional level of the Saluki trainers and competitors makes this competition one of a kind in the world. We look forward to hosting an exceptional edition with the finals to be held on 20 February,” added Al Muhairi.

Categories
There will be qualifying matches in both amateur and professional categories with the top three in each race advancing to the finals.
In Female Salukis 2500 meters amateur category qualifying rounds, 4 matches will be held on 29 January.  In the Male Salukis 2500 meters amateurs category qualifying rounds, 4 matches will be held on 30 January. In the professionals category, male and female Saluki 2500 meter race qualifying rounds will have 6 matches – 3 for each, and will be held on 31 January. In the professional’s category, male and female Saluki 1000 meter qualifying race will be held on 1 February with 6 matches – 3 each.