Mohammed dedicates Epsom Derby win to UAE and Arab world
dubai — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled some of the secrets behind Masar’s victory at the Epsom Derby.
Sheikh Mohammed said he did believe that the young horse Masar would win the race just the way his sire New Approach did it back in 2008, as reported by Al Khaleej on Monday.
“It is as if history repeated itself after ten years when the father horse ‘New Approach’ won the title at Epsom racecourse,” Sheikh Mohammed added, referring to an event when he had attended and felt same joy that day.
“I dedicate this title to the UAE and all the Arabs since the achievement is historic and global,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Asked about his expectations for Masar to win the Epsom Derby, especially after nominations had placed Masar out of the competition, Sheikh Mohammed said: “It was the people’s points of view to put Masar out of the nominations. Yet, this has never been our view on Masar.
“Masar, for us, has a privilege. We bred him and know who is his father and ancestors. We had confidence in him, that’s why we had brought him to Dubai so he could join the race in England.
“I foresaw that Masar would make it,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
Three days prior to the beginning of the race, Masar arrived in England, coming from Dubai, when he lost weight, and took part in a race and finished third. But, he gained his normal weight afterwards.
“I, my family and children were fully confident that Masar would win the title because we knew his history well.”
Asked why he dedicated this victory to the Arabs, Sheikh Mohammed said: “I dedicated it to the UAE and the Arabs because it was a world achievement, and of course, I’m proud that I’m Emirati and an Arab. This achievement is historic and global, and all the Arabs deserve this victory, so I dedicated it to them.”
Asked about his next racing destination, Sheikh Mohammed said that there were lots of races, the most important ones being the Royal Ascot and the England Derby.
“We always strive to get titles, and we are sure that we are able to achieve tremendous results,” he replied.
Relying to a querry about what he had learnt from the Espom Derby win, Sheikh Mohammed said: “A man must always try, and even if you fail, you have to try again and be patient until you achieve the first place that we always endeavor to.
“Success could accompany a man whenever one has confidence in self,” Sheikh Mohammed concluded.