VP issues decisions on Dubai Racing, Dubai Equestrian Clubs
Sheikh Mohammed issued Decision No. (24 and 25) of 2024 forming the Board of Directors of the Dubai Racing Club and the Board of Directors of the Dubai Equestrian Club. The two decisions are effective from the date of their issuance
In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, issued Decision No. (24) of 2024 forming the Board of Directors of the Dubai Racing Club, chaired by Sheikh Rashid Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum. Members of the Board include Khalifa Thani Bin Abood Al Falasi, and the CEO of the Club.
His Highness also issued Decision No. (25) of 2024 forming the Board of Directors of the Dubai Equestrian Club, chaired by Sheikh Rashid Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum. Members of the Board include Khalifa Thani bin Abood Al Falasi, and the Director-general of the Club.
The two decisions are effective from the date of their issuance and will be published in the Official Gazete.
NAVAL POWER HOPING TO SALUTE IN G1 TURF CLASSIC: Naval Power aims to consolidate an excellent North American debut with a first top-level success in the G1 Turf Classic on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
The Teofilo four-year-old stayed on strongly to go down by two and a quarter lengths to Master Of The Seas on his first stateside outing in last month’s G1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland’s Spring Meet.
Naval Power has only tasted defeat twice in eight career starts and made an impressive return from a 13-month layoff when readily taking the G2 Singspiel Stakes at Meydan in February.
His trainer Charlie Appleby said: “Naval Power has definitely come forward since the Maker’s Mark Mile and the step back up in trip should suit. We are drawn widest in 11 but he was slowly away at Keeneland and, if he does it again, it should give Frankie [Detori] options. It’s not an ideal gate but probably beter than being down on the inside if he were to break slowly. He has the right man on board and goes into this in good nick.”
Mischief Magic also filled the runner-up spot at Keeneland last month, going down by a length in the G2 Shakertown Stakes, and the 2022 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint victor runs in the G2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint.
Charlie Appleby said: “Mischief Magic has a sensible draw in eight as he’s a horse who needs to be ridden for a bit of luck. He has come out of Keeneland in good shape and a repeat of that performance should make him very competitive.”
Three-year-old Legend Of Time has his first US outing in the G2 American Turf Stakes on the back of three dominant wins at Meydan this year, including scoring by nearly five lengths in the Listed Jumeirah Classic.
Charlie Appleby said: “Legend Of Time is having his first start in North America and it can be a litle alien to European horses, but he heads into this in great order. I think the extended mile and course at Churchill is going to suit, and it’s just a question of whether the experience catches him out. We have always thought that we could work backwards from a Belmont Derby or Saratoga Derby, so we would like to see him be competitive here to warrant those plans.”
Nash looked a potential Kentucky Derby horse when taking a Churchill Downs maiden by 10 and a half lengths in November and the son of Medaglia d’oro instead lines up in the G2 Pat Day Mile.
Following three placed efforts at Fair Grounds over the winter, Nash produced a scintillating display for Brad Cox in the Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn Park in March, in which he was heavily eased when scoring by five and a half lengths.
Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA, said: “Nash enjoyed being backed up in distance to the two-turn mile in his last start and won comfortably. I expect that he will enjoy the one-turn mile here even more. It’s a competitive field and, when we had to scratch Knightsbridge, a few more horses took up the challenge.
“I will be disappointed if we don’t see a big performance from Nash and hopefully he can add a Graded Stakes win to his resume. His previous run at Churchill Downs was an explosive effort, and he appears to enjoy the track.”