242nd Epsom Derby is Saturday
It’s been 27 years since the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, last won the Derby (G1) , one of the world’s richest and most prestigious horse races which is run at the historic Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England.
Come Saturday, trainer William Haggas, who had a long association with Sheikh Hamdan, will bid to deliver an emotional victory in the Classic with Mohaafeth, a horse that will race in the name of Shadwell, a breeding empire pioneered by Sheikh Hamdan.
Sheikh Hamdan, one of the most successful owners in the world, first won the Derby in 1989 with the great Nashwan and claimed a second success in the 2,400 metre contest in 1994.
A son of the legendary Frankel, Mohaafeth stormed into contention for Britain’s premier race by accumulating a hat-trick of smart wins this year.
A compelling victory in the mile and two furlongs Listed Newmarket Stakes, where he toyed with his rivals to win in a canter by five lengths, has marked him out as the horse to watch at Epsom’s big day.
As always, there so many inspiring stories being discussed about the Derby and this year is no exception with Mohaaafeth’s participation being one of the biggest talking points – given the fact that Sheikh Hamdan passed away just three months ago…
