Icing on the cake: Sheikh Mohammed celebrates Kentucky Derby triumph

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, celebrated Godolphin's glorious Kentucky Derby triumph with other cabinet members.

Godolphin, the royal blue racing empire Sheikh Mohammed founded in 1992, ended the long wait for victory in the iconic American race last Sunday when Sovereignty won the Group 1 event.

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In a historic achievement across just 48 hours, Godolphin also secured victories in Kentucky Oaks (G1), the English 2,000 Guineas (G1), and 1,000 Guineas in the UK.

It marked the first time a single stable had won all four of these prestigious races across continents in the same weekend.

But the icing on the cake was Sovereignty's Kentucky Derby triumph.

Sovereignty overtook the favourite, Journalism, in the final stretch and pulled away to win by nearly two lengths, clocking 2:02.31 over the classic 1¼ mile distance.

The triumph marked a defining milestone for Sheikh Mohammed, whose vision has transformed Godolphin into a global racing powerhouse.

Sovereignty was led into the winner’s circle draped in the iconic garland of roses — not just a champion, but a symbol of Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, resilience and the enduring pursuit of greatness.

Across the Atlantic at Newmarket, Godolphin’s British team under trainer Charlie Appleby delivered back-to-back Classic wins. Ruling Court claimed the 2,000 Guineas, and Desert Flower completed the weekend sweep with a decisive 1,000 Guineas victory.

Appleby best summed up the mood in the Godolphin camp when he said: “I am delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, to have a weekend like this is very special for everybody. It will probably take a few days to sink in.

“It’s a huge team effort and what Godolphin has achieved in America, the UK, Japan, Australia and throughout the world – and what we have achieved this weekend is remarkable.”