A wealth of talent in blue corner

Having saddled his 12th European Group One winner of the 2008 season courtesy of Mount Nelson in the Eclipse last Saturday, Aidan O’Brien is understandably going to feature quite prominently in the trade press headlines, but while the achievements by the team at Ballydoyle in Ireland are astounding, it’s easy to forget what a remarkable record the Dubai-based Godolphin also boast.

However, not to be overshadowed by their main rivals, the team of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the royal blue corner recently published a list reminding people of the great success they have also enjoyed over the years, on their hugely informative and popular website. Here are a few facts and figures.

• Since 1994, 140 thoroughbreds have romped to a Group/Grade One success, and in total, those famous blue colours have finished first no less than 1,254 times.
• Of the 178 jockeys to have ridden for the stable, no surprise to see that Frankie Dettori has steered the most to victory with 626 winners to date, 92 at Group level.
• Cutwater holds the distinction of being the first horse to represent the yard on Christmas Eve at Nad Al Sheba in 1994. Unfortunately it was not a winning start.

I strongly recommend you look at www.godolphin.com for up-to-date news, stats and special features.

Hot under the coals

Those of you suffering the Dubai heat at present, spare a thought for British-born apprentice Pietro Romeo who got more than he bargained for when trying to shed a vital kilo in the sauna at Haydock last week.

The rider was given some oil to help speed up the sweating process but was unaware the substance had to be diluted with water and when he poured it over the hot rocks, the sauna, along with him inside, caught fire. Despite suffering minor burns, thankfully the jockey was able to escape without much harm and stood under a cold shower as he waited for the paramedics to arrive which was an unforgiving two hours.

Curlin’s Turf trial

I am so pleased that connections have decided to allow Dubai World Cup victor Curlin to take his chance on the grass for the first time on Saturday at Belmont Park.

With an unblemished career record so far, there is very little reason to suggest he won’t win and it would be absolutely fantastic for the whole of racing if he were to take his chance in the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October. In France he will be taking on the best in the world on turf and it’s there we will really find out if he is the best racehorse in the world on both surfaces. Watch this space.