As I've mentioned in this column previously, Dubai has fast become a stepping stone for thoroughbreds continuing their racing careers with great success on the international stage, but after attending several race meetings last week, it seems the jockeys are also doing a good job of flying the flag for the UAE.
OK, he wasn't born in the Emirates, but Keagan Latham, who displayed great talent in the saddle last season, especially on the purebred Arabians, was in winning form at Leopardstown and Tipperary last week, and with two other visits to the winner's enclosure for trainer, Ger Lyons, he has certainly continued the progression he showed during the winter, and is undoubtedly a jockey to keep a close eye on for the future.
One rider, who seems to be getting better with age, is the veteran (but youthful in looks!) Kevin Shea, who was out of luck at Haydock on the perhaps aptly-named Spirit Of Sharjah, but was in the saddle at Yarmouth yesterday and also partners Mike de Kock's first runner of the UK season at Sandown tonight on Thundering Star. The fact that top handlers such as Clive Brittain and Peter Chapple-Hyam have already put him up suggest the riding talents of the evergreen Shea look finally to be getting recognised.
However, Dubai's very own Ahmad Ajtebi is also proving his worth in the plate when he guided another well-named individual to victory at Salisbury last week.
Dubai Power absolutely trounced her 13 other rivals, and won with plenty left in the locker. The jockey, who rode 11 locally trained winners last term, has improved his racing technique significantly over the past two seasons, and with so many exceptional riders to learn from, he is sure to come back an even more improved rider.
GODOLPHIN are go
After their usual quiet start, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai's Godolphin establishment were also able to celebrate more success over the weekend with two Listed-class winners. With five winners from only 19 runners, the 26 per cent strike rate Saeed Bin Surour currently boasts is an exceptional achievement for such a large operation and Aidan O'Brien's 15 per cent rate from his UK runners looks slightly overshadowed!
Calming Influence looked a horse of immense potential after winning at Newmarket, and I'm sure he will be surrounded by much cotton wool between now and Royal Ascot.
COLD COMFORT
Cotton wool is something I would have happily used to keep me warm at Chepstow on Monday. We all know how "unusual" the British weather can be, but when it reaches the end of May, you do not expect to be wrapped up in hats and scarves.
I bumped into Green Stable-jockey Tadhg O'Shea, and the look on his face said it all. If only there was racing in Dubai at this time of the year!
