Wide draw for Ruler in World Cup
Al Shaqab Racing has purchased a 50 per cent share in last season’s Epsom hero and he will race in Sheikh Joaan’s grey silks worn by the likes of Olympic Glory, Toronado and Treve.
The four-year-old Galileo colt will remain in training with Aidan O’Brien and will continue to be ridden by the Ballydoyle handler’s son, Joseph.
Al Shaqab’s racing advisor Harry Herbert said: “Al Shaqab is delighted to be in partnership with John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith and we are extremely excited to be participating in Saturday’s World Cup.
“It’s tremendously exciting and the Sheikh is thrilled.
“It’s been a very recent development, just over the last two or three days, and Al Shaqab has 50 per cent.
“But he’ll remain with Aidan O’Brien and will be ridden by Joseph O’Brien, Coolmore were keen for that to be the case.
“When he retires, Al Shaqab will also receive 50 per cent of his stud value.
“He is a horse that Sheikh Joaan has always liked and pinpointed him as a horse he’d like to be involved with, especially with this weekend in mind. It’s great to be involved in races like this.
“Whatever happens on Saturday, it is a long season and he’ll be a great addition.
“He’s beautifully bred and it is not easy to get involved with a Derby winner.
“Sheikh Joaan spoke to John Magnier about acquiring a stake and it went from there.
“Hopefully it is the start of a great partnership as Al Shaqab also has a share in a Galileo two-year-old with Coolmore.
“If, for whatever reason, at some point in the season Joseph is unavailable to ride then Frankie (Dettori) will step in.”
Last year’s winner Animal Kingdom broke from stall 12 so the berth is no barrier to success.
Ed Dunlop’s Red Cadeaux, second 12 months ago, fared even worse and will race from stall 14 in the 16-runner field, with William Haggas’ Mukhadram next door in 13.
Sir Michael Stoute’s Hillstar fared better in seven, with Andrew Balding’s Side Glance in nine.
Vancouverite, African Story and Cat O’Mountain are respectively berthed in stalls three, six and 15 for the Godolphin team.
African Story’s trainer Saeed bin Suroor is also responsible for the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum-owned Prince Bishop, who is drawn in gate one.
Hong Kong raiders Akeed Mofeed (four) and Military Attack (eight) are unlikely to have too many complaints.
