His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Photo / AP.
He's bonafide racing royalty - and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has never been better placed to add a Melbourne Cup to his bulging trophy cabinet.
The Dubai ruler's Godolphin Stables has won more than 3500 races worldwide, including the world's richest race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup,
on eight occasions.
But the race that stops a nation has so far eluded the 67-year-old. He has been runner-up on three occasions, including most recently Crime Scene in 2009.
This year promises to be different. Godolphin has five runners in today's race, including $5.50 race favourite Hartnell, ridden by champion Kiwi jockey James McDonald.
"He's the right horse to run really well in a Melbourne Cup," said McDonald, who has the ride on the John O'Shea-trained Hartnell and is the Sheikh's top rider.
