Pecker is a key witness in the case against the former US president, who is accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush-money payment
Tadhg O’Shea is an undisputed champion in the country, racking up a record eight UAE Champion Jockey titles.
PHOTOS: Dubai bids tearful goodbye to Sheikh Hamdan
However, the amazing achievements wouldn’t have been possible if not for the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, who passed away last week.
Sheikh Hamdan was responsible for bringing O’Shea to Dubai and the Irishman paid tribute to the horse racing pioneer after triumphing in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile with the Satish Seemar-saddled Secret Ambition at the Dubai World Cup.
“The whole racing world sadly lost Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum this week and I want to dedicate this to him,” O’Shea said, moments after the race.
“It was when I was champion apprentice in Ireland in 2001 that Sheikh Hamdan sponsored a trip to Dubai and I've been coming back here ever since. I have been here a long time and it wouldn’t have been possible without him,” added O’Shea, who notched a record 596th winner in the UAE in 4770 runs.
This was also his 43rd winner this season and he is on the cusp of a record ninth UAE Champion Jockey title after championships in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020. His seventh crown saw O’Shea surpass Ted Durcan.
O’Shea had won the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic, the lone race for Purebred Arabians, onboard AF Maher in the 2019 edition of the event, and on Mizzna, in 2008.
james@khaleejtimes.com
Pecker is a key witness in the case against the former US president, who is accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush-money payment
The oil and gas conglomerate and Fifa, the world governing body, sign major sponsorship agreement
Toomaj Salehi risks being hanged after the conviction on the Shariah charge of "corruption on Earth" by a Revolutionary Court
Aid groups warn any invasion would add to already-catastrophic conditions for Gaza's 2.4 million people
The American they will face Australia and Serbia on July 15 and July 17 as part of their preparation for the Paris Olympic Games
The leaders emphasise that the deal to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza
Dubai-based Sumit Augustine has had a philosophical approach towards spending
The regional upswing also defies oil production cutbacks