Buhaleeba set to take his chances at Epsom

Local racehorse owner Abdulla Buhaleeba is set to post a significant milestone in his sporting career when Coming Again becomes his first runner in the English Derby on Saturday.

A relaxed and easy public persona gives little indication of the fierce ambition that is hidden within, or the determination that has encouraged Buhaleeba to challenge for one of flat-racing's most sought after prizes.

A leading businessman in Dubai and owner of Group winners like Zindabad and Lucky Story, Buhaleeba has reportedly often told friends and associates that he has long dreamt of owning a Derby horse. Coming Again, who is yet to win his maiden, might not boast the best credentials to challenge for the Derby, but Buhaleeba, his trainer Barry Hills and Racing Manager Joe Mercer, have immense faith in the horse. "He's a very nice horse, we always thought he was a Derby horse," Mercer told the Gulf News from England yesterday. "He's well bred and we're confident he'll stay the trip.

"But more than anything Mr. Buhaleeba wants very much to have his colours carried in the English Derby. He's owned some great horses in the past, but it's a Derby horse that he's always wanted. It's as simple as that."

And yet, it is not.

Epsom presents more challenges than any course in England. It is a u-shaped course with steep undulations, an initial downhill, the treacherous Tattenham corner and a demanding rising final furlong. And to top it all it is said to be the fastest in the world. Given these obstacles, and the fact that Coming Again has only raced thrice with little success, English bookmakers are offering as much as 200-1 for him to beat his 15 rivals in the mile and a half contest.

But Mercer, a former jockey for the Queen who has ridden over 2,800 winners, is unimpressed. "In the past very ordinary horses have won the Derby, so why not Coming Again," he asks. "It's a very open race and anything can happen."

One of the longest priced runners in recent years to contest the Derby was Blues Traveller (150-1) who finished third behind Commander In Chief in 1993.