Team Godolphin lead powerful UAE challenge at Royal Ascot
For more than 300 years Royal Ascot has stood as the jewel in British Flat racing's crown, a meeting where deep-rooted traditions blend effortlessly with world‑class competition.
This year's edition gets underway on Tuesday, June 17, with the UAE sending one of its strongest contingents yet to the historic Berkshire course. Backed by top owners and led by seasoned trainers, the team is primed to vie for multiple victories, aiming to add fresh chapters to a legacy of success on a stage steeped in sporting history.
At the center of this challenge is Godolphin, the flagship operation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The stable's famous blue silks will be carried by more than 30 runners at Royal Ascot this year.
For UAE fans, Royal Ascot is more than just a glamorous race meeting, it's a chance to celebrate their rich equestrian heritage and ability to produce horses that can conquer the greatest stages. The Maktoum Family's love for horses traces back decades, and this deep-rooted passion finds its fullest expression at Royal Ascot.
A back-to-back Champion Owner in 2021 and 2022, Godolphin will be well represented across all the big races — from the Queen Anne (G1) and St James's Palace Stakes (G1) on the opening day, Tuesday, June 17, through to the final day on Saturday, June 21. Each race will test the ability of many of their homebreds against the best from Ireland, France, Japan, America and the UK.
Saeed bin Suroor, Godolphin's longest-serving trainer, has a rich Royal Ascot record with 39 wins. His expertise in preparing horses for these big days, combined with the resources available through Godolphin, makes him a powerful force at the meeting. Charlie Appleby, a master strategist who has tasted Royal Ascot success 15 times, will also aim a team of well-prepared runners, adding depth and confidence to Godolphin's challenge.
'Royal Ascot is a very special meeting for Godolphin and all of us.' said Bin Suroor. 'It's where we want to bring our best horses and show what we can do on a world stage. We have a strong team this year, and we're hopeful we can add to our success. The competition is always tough, but we come here to win and to make UAE racing proud.'
Bin Suroor is no stranger to Royal Ascot glory. The renowned Emirati handler from Hatta has been Champion Trainer at the meeting not just once, but four times in the past - a testament to his remarkable ability to produce winners on the sport's grandest stages. His achievements underscore a legacy of excellence that has made him a dominant force in Flat racing for over 30 years.
This year's meeting promises rich rewards, with the total prize money matching last year's record at a remarkable £10.05 million. The Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) and Queen Elizabeth II's Stakes (G1) lead the way, each offering a staggering £1 million in total. All Group 1 races are worth at least £650,000, while all other contests carry a minimum of £110,000 in prize money.
For UAE racing fans, Royal Ascot 2025 is a wonderful opportunity to once more celebrate the country's rich racing tradition on a world stage and its relentless quest for excellence.
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