Khalifa Sat owner ‘honoured’ to fly UAE flag in Epsom Derby

Owner Ahmad Al Shaikh has said it will be a “great honour” to fly the flag for the UAE when Khalifa Sat takes his place in Saturday’s Epsom Derby.

Khalifa Sat is the only Emirati-owned runner among the 17 early entries for this year’s Derby, which was won in 2018 by Godolphin’s Masar.

“I was surprised to learn Khalifa Sat was the sole flagbearer for the UAE in the race,” Al Shaikh said.

“For me, it’s a great honour to have a runner in the Derby, which is one of the most prestigious races worldwide. If he can run a good race or finish in the top five, it would certainly be a bonus.”

Khalifa Sat, trained by Andrew Balding, has won two of his three races, and came into the Derby picture after his success in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood on June 14.

“The trainer and I are keen to see him take his chance after his impressive win at Goodwood,” Al Shaikh said.

“He’s a good horse and he’s shown a lot of improvement this year as a three year old. He looks like a Group horse to me but I wouldn’t know how well he would handle Epsom.

“It is one of the most difficult racetracks. You may have a good horse but he may not be suited for this kind of track. If he handles it well, I believe he can finish in the top five.”

Tom Marquand, who was on board Khalifa Sat in his last start at Goodwood, retains the ride after he lost out on Derby favourite English King to Frankie Dettori.

“I think he holds attributes that are pretty strong factors in whether you run well or not at Epsom,” Marquand said of Khalifa Sat.

“He showed at Goodwood he handles a tricky track, he’s shown he’s capable of winning, has a great attitude and he’s pretty versatile with the ground. It’s great to have a ride in the race and a decent ride at that.”