SHEIKH Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum may not have been as familiar a figure on racecourses as his two brothers but his influence has been just as important.

The new A1 Grand Prix championship has postponed the forthcoming round at Sentul in Indonesia following the death of Dubai’s ruler.

The emir of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been succeeded by younger brother Sheikh Mohammed following his death earlier today aged 62.

SHAMARDAL will miss his intended showdown with Derby winner Motivator in today’s Coral-Eclipse Stakes after chipping a bone in his ankle.

JOHN HAMMOND is hoping Walk In The Park can go one better than at Epsom in Sunday’s Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh.

Dubawi redeemed his reputation with a brilliant victory in the Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh today.

DUBAWI’S odds for the Classics have been slashed after he stormed home in a trial at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai yesterday.

Flat racing is traditionally known as the Sport of Kings, but given the success enjoyed by the ruling family of Dubai over the last 20 years it could just as accurately be described as the Sport of Sheikhs.