The argument that top level thoroughbred racing is a ‘golden pass’ to an elite world was no more evident before the running of the £800,000 G1 Juddmonte International Stakes in York, England overnight. In the parade ring pre-race were only six racehorses but they were representing some of the most influential people in global governance, politics, sport and business.
Arod was carrying the maroon colours of TRH Sheikh Hamad, Sheikh Suhaim and Sheikh Fahd Al Thani – a triumvirate from the Royal Family of Qatar that are playing a lead role in driving Qatar forward in business and the business of sport.
Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, the Finance Minister of Dubai and older brother to Sheikh Mohammed, was set to go to battle with his star Mukhadram.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the iconic and irrepressible former manager of power club Manchester United stood with owners of Telescope. Standing alongside him was The Honorable John Warren, IAC Member and Bloodstock Manager for HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
And of course the connections of Australia were huddled together. John Magnier sons MV and JP, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, Teo Ah Khing (IAC Member and Chairman of the China Horse Club) and their respective families. Magnier, Smith, Tabor and Teo, each of the four is or has been a leader of a high profile business well before the chestnut colt made his first strides on a racecourse. Joining all connections was a selection of notable racing industry and business players as well as socialites.
An international powerbase had been squeezed into the parade ring of York Racecourse in the north of England. It only happens in a sport like thoroughbred racing.
Post-race, congratulations were directed to familiar smiling faces The swiftness with which Australia cut down his rivals was breathtaking. The priceless asset of acceleration was demonstrated with inextricable brutality. For rival connections hopes were dashed. For Australia’s connections anticipation turned to elation with each quickening stride. For the thousands at the track and the mass audience tuning in from around the world, it was a moment of purity that racing flashes up every now and then. A deficit was turned into a two length win with jet propelled efficiency.
The CHC’s Chairman, Mr Teo, beamed: “This is why you race thoroughbreds. This is why it is so special to experience this with family and with friends. You wouldn’t give this feeling up for anything.”
Industry bible Racing Post was unabashed, labelled Australia a ‘Megastar’ on the front page of their newspaper. Fellow owner Michael Tabor, when interviewed by the very same publication, gave a further insight into the experience of ownership.
“It is a tremendous thrill. To win Derbies and then this race is a great thrill… Really, without being blasé, there was never really a moment of worry,” he said. And when asked if Australia was among the very best racing or that he had owned Tabor was honest as ever.
“You’d have to say so. You’ve had to say he’s up there with the best.”
The next destination for the growing juggernaut that is Australia is likely to be in Ireland. With it will come another opportunity for the world’s elite to descend into a single location, socialize, talk business and test ‘their champions’ against one another.