Hills set for classic mount

Despite Godolphin's domination of the big races around the globe it took them a full three years to bag the big one of their home turf, thanks to Richard Hills.

Hills partnered Almutawakel to one of the most popular victories ever registered here. The ace jockey, a very well-known face in the UAE's domestic circuit, helped Godolphin earn their most sought-after triumph at that point of time – the Dubai World Cup.

Hills is back this time, but with a difference. In tomorrow's big race, the spotlight will be on him as his mount Nayef has been favoured to land the $6 million race.

With twin brother Michael also booked for two rides on the big day, Hills' attempt for a second World Cup win will also be watched by his father Barry Hills, a trainer himself.

"Both my brother and my dad will be here tonight and with Nayef training well I am pleased," said Hills who attended yesterday's 'Breakfast with the Stars' at the Nad Al Sheba.

Tomorrow's presence will be his fifth in Dubai World Cup action and the 40-year-old has been booked for five rides including the one on Nayef.

Commenting on Nayef's chances he said, "I am obviously pleased with draw as I got seven. It gives him a better chance early in the race to counter the kickback," Hills said.

Hills will also be hoping that the Number 7 holds some sort of lucky charm for him. His attempts in the Dubai World Cup, which have been in alternate years, have seen him win it once after he finished seventh in the previous attempt.

In 1997 he finished seventh on Even Top but after a year's gap he went on to win the World Cup on Almutawakel in 1999. Again after a year's gap he finished seventh in 2001 on Ekraar. Now Hills is back after a year's gap and this time riding one of the favourites.

Hills will also be looking for some good luck from his father Barry, who has started off on the right note with his wins at Doncaster including the Lincoln Handicap. "I hope it (luck) rubs off on me as he has been here a few times and brought me luck," Hills said.

Hills has been in the winner's enclosure four times so far and will be hoping to add a few more tomorrow.

In 1999 it was a double delight as he followed up his win on Altibr in the DDF race with the fantastic triumph on Almutawakel.

In 2000 Hills won the UAE Derby on China's Visit and during his visit to the big race day last year he did it on Nayef in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

Hills, the first jockey to Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, is certain to garner maximum support tomorrow and one factor which will add to the fact that he will be riding the favourites will be the tremendous support from the racing fans of his 'second-home.'