Former racehorse Classic Ruler is living out his days in the main barn at the Jebel Ali Stables, alongside some of the yard's leading hopes for the 2010-11 UAE racing season — perhaps not the typical destination for a retired horse.
But then Classic Ruler is no ordinary horse. He is a former champion sprinter and a record setter for the yellow stables that was created in 1991 by Major-General Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Head of Dubai Police and Public Security. It was the same year that flat racing was held for the first time under the newly instituted UAE Rules of Racing.
Classic Ruler was the very first runner that Sri Lankan-born trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam had in the UAE and he won first time up at the Sharjah race course, with jockey Martin O'Reily in the saddle.
Today, Classic Ruler is a healthy 25 year old. A handsome grey who was by far the best sprinter in the UAE in the early '90s he is now enjoying his days relaxing in a privileged bran while chomping on his favourite polo mints and apples.
Selvaratnam described him as an extremely clever horse who was a real fighter on the track.
"He's always been a very playful sort of horse, and certainly not the easiest one to ride," he said with a glint in his eye.
"But put him on the track and he transforms into a running machine. Most jockeys had a hard time restraining him. He even bolted on several occasions."
"But like I said before, he was a very special racehorse who demonstrated an extraordinary ability and character in a race. He was an absolute fighter," he added.
"Almost every jockey who rode him, Lester Pigott, Johnny Murtagh, Brette Doyle, said he was a horse born to race. His long neck, strong legs and solid disposition made him an amazing equine athlete."
Humble beginnings
"Although he was born of humble beginnings and may have held no great promise in England, he went on to become of the early champions of UAE racing after he was bought by Shaikh Ahmad," Selvaratnam said.
"In fact Shaikh Ahmad is very attached to the horse, he considers him as a mascot for the Jebel Ali Stables. Shaikh Ahmad is a very sentimental sort of person and is extremely passionate about horses, hence that's the reason why we're still keeping Classic Ruler here. He never wants to get rid of him."
Since the '80s Shaikh Ahmad has been deeply involved in thoroughbred racing and has won top British races like the 1000 Guineas with Ameerat and the Eclipse and Prince of Wales's Stakes with Mtoto. Carrying the famous yellow silks of the Jebel Ali Stables, his horses have also won Group One races in Ireland, France, Germany and Italy including the including the Irish St Leger, Prix de la Salamandre, Grosser Preis von Baden and the Derby Italiano.
During his day Classic Ruler buoyed the spirits of the Jebel Ali Stables and it seems remarkable that his past success still offers inspiration to the stable. He has big, soft, soulful eyes fanning your belief that he was destined to be a talisman. He appears terribly affectionate and clearly loves the attention he is getting.
"He's very healthy for a horse his age," Selvaratnam said.
"We give him a drip twice weekly just to ensure that he has sufficient fluids in his body, otherwise he doesn't really need any medical attention."
"We still put him out in the paddock to run around every day and he really enjoys the independence he gets there. He's always happy and enjoys living by his own rules."
"I believe Classic Ruler still has the heart, intelligence and determination that he had when he was a racehorse. These are the qualities that have allowed him to live beyond most people's expectations," added Selvaratnam, a former assistant to the great Vincent O'Brien in the late seventies, and who was the inaugural UAE champion trainer in 1992-93.
While Selvaratnam admits to also having favourites like Ramp And Rave, Faltaat, Try Prospect or Mudallel, he says Classic Ruler will always have a special place in his heart as he is living proof that anything is possible in the sport of racing.
