Horse racing news Wednesday 24th March - Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum dies
A very quiet start to the week for me but things really start to warm-up as the week progresses and we have a cracking Saturday to look forward to with the Dubai World Cup meeting and the Flat season getting underway at Doncaster. I am of course already on one for the Lincoln ante-post, details of which can be found here: http://www.girdysgeegees.com/blog/the-horse-racing-week-ahead-lincoln-ante-post-bet
Some post Cheltenham news. Reportedly Henry de Bromhead is “leaning towards” giving Honeysuckle her final outing of the season in the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle at Punchestown whilst Envoi Allen could aim to atone for his fall at Cheltenham with an outing at the meeting. Hugely impressive Arkle winner Shishkin is likely to line up at Aintree’s Grand National meeting next month.
Some post Cheltenham news. Reportedly Henry de Bromhead is “leaning towards” giving Honeysuckle her final outing of the season in the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle at Punchestown whilst Envoi Allen could aim to atone for his fall at Cheltenham with an outing at the meeting. Hugely impressive Arkle winner Shishkin is likely to line up at Aintree’s Grand National meeting next month.
Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum dies
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, one of the most well known owners in international horseracing has died at the age of 75. His blue-and-white colours are among the most famous in the racing world having ben worn by some greats such as Derby and 2000 Guineas winner Nashwan. As well as a top owner he was also of course a major breeder under the banner of his Shadwell Estates operation and bred an old favourite of mine Sakhee at his stud in Kentucky. Trained initially by John Dunlop carrying Sheikh Hamdan's blue and white silks, Sakhee won the Sandown Classic Trial and the Dante before finishing second in the Derby of 2000. At the end of the season he switched to the Godolphin banner and the care of Saeed bin Suroor and of course went on to win the Arc.