Dubai: Godolphin’s quest to win the A$6.1 million (Dh20.9 million) Melbourne Cup has been given a massive boost with the Dubai-owned international stable announcing that they will set up a permanent base in Sydney, Australia.
The new enterprise has the potential to augment Godolphin’s global expansion plan and enhance its status in a jurisdiction that boasts the third highest prize money in the world after the United States and Japan.
The stable, which has key bases in Dubai, the UK, Ireland, France and the United States, will also become the largest racing operation in the Southern Hemisphere from where it will attempt to end its long wait for a Melbourne Cup triumph.
Godolphin’s first runner in the “race that stops the nation” was Faithful Son, who finished seventh in 1998. They have come close on three occasions when
Central Park (1999), Give The Slip (2001) and Crime Scene (2009), finished second, but victory has remained elusive.
However, Godolphin, which was founded in 1992 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has amassed no fewer than 211 Group One victories in 12 different countries across four continents and triumphed in 62 Classic races in Europe and the UAE.
Announcing the groundbreaking development, Godolphin said on its website that leading Sydney handler John O’Shea has been appointed Head Trainer and that horses in his care will commence racing in the prestigious royal blue Godolphin silks from August 1.
The website also states that the development “signifies a serious and ongoing commitment to the Australian racing industry by Shaikh Mohammad and is reflective of the ever-growing relationship between Dubai and Australia.”
Over 360,000 Australians have visited Dubai since the partnership between leading airlines, Emirates and Qantas, was signed last year.
John Ferguson, bloodstock advisor to Shaikh Mohammad, said on the Godolphin website: “Over the last 15 years, Shaikh Mohammad has led Darley’s development and investment in Australia with incredible success and this announcement is a natural next step.
“Godolphin represents the crown jewels of Shaikh Mohammad’s horseracing operations and the establishment of a permanent presence in Australia is not only testament to his ongoing commitment to the racing industry, but also to the country at large.
“As we have seen, Emirates airline has an ever-growing presence here in Australia with the Qantas partnership, and as Godolphin’s main sponsor, it would be a missed opportunity to not have a home here. We have some fantastic horses in Australia, and with John O’Shea at the helm, we’re in good hands.”
O’Shea, who is being rewarded for many years of hard work, said: “Godolphin is the most prestigious thoroughbred stable in the world and one of the most successful. His Highness is a true horseman himself and I consider it an honour to be given this responsibility. I look forward to the start of the season and to contributing to Godolphin’s continued global success.”
Henry Plumptre, Godolphin’s racing manager and managing director of Darley, in Australia, added: “This is a significant moment for everyone involved in Australian racing. It confirms the quality and popularity of the racing industry here.
“In Australia, we have collectively won 32 G1 races to date, with world-class names such as Sepoy, Helmet, Appearance, Guelph and Earthquake.
“The whole team is delighted that the best horses will now race in the famous royal-blue silks, not only here in Australia, but also around the world.”
