Jack Hobbs Godolphin’s strong contender for Dubai World Cup
dubai — Jack Hobbs is a front runner as a Godolphin entry in the world’s richest horse race — the Dubai World Cup on March 25.
“Early days to say but I am very impressed with Jack Hobbs, who finished third in the Champions Stakes last weekend. He will come to Dubai and I am looking forward to Jack Hobbs running here in spring,” John Ferguson, Chief Executive and Racing Manager for Godolphin, told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the launch of Masar Godolphin, an academic and experiential scholarship for the Emiratis, under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Talking about Godolphin’s prospects this season, Ferguson said: “We have some lovely yearlings to come, we have got Dubawi, Shamardal and many lovely horses to compete in Europe and around the world.” Replying to a question on a trophy on Godolphin’s wish list, he said: “Luckily, we won the Champion Owner’s trophy in England but every trophy is a good trophy.”
When asked about the new additions to the Godolphin stables, he said: “We have some lovely twoyear-olds coming up, I was very pleased with Blue Point and Dewhurst.”
Meanwhile, The Godolphin scholarship, Masar, launched on Tuesday is to prepare young Emiratis with a thorough understanding of global sport of horse racing.
“We are looking to get more trainers but I think the aim is to have more people with thorough understanding of the global sport of horse racing,” Ferguson said.
“If you consider over an eightyear period, hopefully we will have 64 graduates and from those number one would hope that some will become trainers,” he said, adding that some may come back and take up other aspect of horsemanship.
“So many different opportunities for people within the horse racing industry if some of them become top trainers that would be a wonderful thing,” he enthused.
Ferguson hoped that individuals at the Masar programme would take best out of the course and use it to best of their ability.
“Godolphin’s home is Dubai – and as the city has grown, the passion for horses has grown with it. Now is the perfect time to create an opportunity for young UAE nationals to immerse themselves in the world of thoroughbred horse breeding and racing, and perhaps one day, help contribute to the success of Godolphin, Dubai’s home team,” he said.
“The love of horses is in the DNA of Dubai and the same pioneering spirit that you see in modern Dubai is felt in Godolphin, constantly looking forward, relentlessly innovating,” said Ali Al Ali, Head of Masar Godolphin.
The scholarship will provide UAE nationals with a unique and unrivalled opportunity to embrace their equestrian heritage.
sunilvaidya@khalejtimes.com