Godolphin, the international racing stable founded by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with 211 Group/Grade One (G1) winners since its inception in 1994, is to establish a permanent presence in Australia.
Australian trainer, John O'Shea, has been appointed Godolphin's Head Trainer in Australia and the horses in his care will race in their prestigious royal blue silks from 1st August 2014.
The development signifies a serious and on-going commitment to the Australian racing industry by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and is reflective of the ever-growing relationship between Dubai and Australia - 360,000 more Australians have visited Dubai since the partnership between leading airlines, Emirates and Qantas, with Australia becoming the fastest-growing inbound market.
John Ferguson, Bloodstock Advisor to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, said, "Over the last fifteen years, Sheikh Mohammed has led Darley's development and investment in Australia with incredible success and this announcement is a natural next-step. Godolphin represents the crown jewels of Sheikh Mohammed's horseracing operations and the establishment of a permanent presence in Australia is not only testament to his on-going commitment to the racing industry but also to the country at large. As we have seen, Emirates Airline has an ever-growing presence here in Australia with the Qantas partnership, and as Godolphin's main sponsor, it would be a missed opportunity to not have a home here. We have some fantastic horses in Australia, and with John O'Shea at the helm, we're in good hands." John O'Shea, Head Trainer for Godolphin in Australia, said, "Godolphin is the most prestigious thoroughbred stable in the world and one of the most successful. His Highness is a true horseman himself and I consider it an honour to be given this responsibility. I look forward to the start of the season and to contributing to Godolphin's continued global success." Henry Plumptre, Godolphin's Racing Manager and Managing Director of Darley in Australia, spoke in support of the development, saying, "This is a significant moment for everyone involved in Australian racing. It confirms the quality and popularity of the racing industry here. In Australia, we have collectively won 32 G1 races to date, with world-class names such as Sepoy, Helmet, Appearance, Guelph and Earthquake. The whole team is delighted that the best horses will now race in the famous royal blue silks, not only here in Australia but around the world." The establishment of Godolphin in Australia will make it the largest horseracing operation in the southern hemisphere and increases its global footprint with operations in key racing markets across the world including the U.K., Ireland, France, the U.S.A., and Dubai.
Source: WAM