The Emirates Racing Authority [ERA] has appointed Alistair Cohen as English language race caller for the 2021/22 UAE season.
Cohen, 30, from Durban, South Africa, brings with him years of experience on the microphone, having called races for more than a decade. Prior to joining the ERA, Cohen was a recognizable voice across his homeland in his position as caller for Phumelela Gaming and Leisure, a role which saw him commentate on several of South Africa’s biggest races, including the SA Triple Crown and Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara series. His trade has also taken him overseas and in 2019 he called two races at Musselburgh Racecourse in Scotland, UK.
Cohen will commentate at all five ERA racetracks; Meydan Racecourse, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Al Ain Golf, Equestrian and Shooting Club. His calls will also be used on Dubai Racing Channel and the international feed.
Commenting on the appointment, Cohen said: “As clichéd as it is, I can’t wait to get started. As a racing fan as a kid, I remember Mike de Kock taking the plunge with Ipi Tombe and Victory Moon nearly two decades ago and then his subsequent success always made Dubai racing appeal to me. This is an unbelievable opportunity and I hope to make a great impression.”
The 2021/22 UAE racing season gets underway on Friday, 29th October at Jebel Ali. Meydan Racecourse, home of the $12million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup, hosts its first of 22 meetings on Thursday, November 4th. The $30.5million Dubai World Cup fixture takes place on Saturday, March 26th, 2022.
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Emirates Racing Authority Press Release
