Jarrod Wessel’s first race in Abu Dhabi – Bundaberg Now

The sudden departure of UAE race commander Alistair Cohen has provided Bundaberg’s Jarrod Wessel with a rare opportunity to Accepted a short-term appointment to replace him for the final nine games of the Emirates season and made his Abu Dhabi debut last Thursday.

Jarrod, who turns 24 this year, started his racing call-up in Bundaberg seven years ago and has built his portfolio as an emerging voice for horse and greyhound racing across Southern Queensland.

He boarded a flight to Dubai just hours after attending the final race at the Albion Park greyhound last Wednesday afternoon.

His name was recommended as a stopgap to replace Alistair for the remainder of the Emirates season.

dialogue between UAE Racing Authority Tabcorp confirmed Jarrod’s appointment with just hours before the flight’s departure.

“A rare opportunity and a few crazy hours,” Jarrod reflected after the Abu Dhabi meeting aired Thursday afternoon.

David Fowler, the top racehorse commander who has guided Jarrod since he began his career at RadioTAB in 2017, was similarly shocked by the series of events.

“We sat down to dinner and he had to leave with a schooner and a plate of veal,” David said.

Amid the busy schedule, Jarrod also visited three other circuits over the weekend, Al Ain, Jebel Ali and Sharjah Longines, and Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Jarrod admits that “my first call was definitely a mixture of nervousness and excitement”.

“In Abu Dhabi, there might be about 1,000 people on the track, but for the weekend meeting in Jebel Ali, they might have 5,000 people on the track,” Jarrod said.

“I’m the club’s English-language broadcaster, so my calls are broadcast to the US, UK, Australia (all English-speaking countries).

“I am a route caller in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah. In Jebel Ali, they take Arabic calls.”

With four meetings remaining, the last on April 7, Jarrod will fly back to Australia the next day, but he hopes he can get the job next season, although his dream is to one day become the capital of Australia’s east coast one.

“Contracts here are seasonal, this season is six months, but since the previous callers have gone home for good, I think I’ll consider next season’s contract,” Jarrod said.

“My career goal is to be the number one caller in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, so if nothing else, this (nine meetings) will be a good stepping stone and a great fit for my CV.”