Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was received as a guest of honour by the Queen of England yesterday during the opening ceremonies of the third day of Ascot, the state news agency, WAM, reported. Sheikh Mohammed sat beside Queen Elizabeth II and received greetings from spectators as they watched the first round of races.
The Royal Ascot Festival in Berkshire is a prestigious race meeting attended annually by the British royal family. It is the most prize-rich meeting on the British calendar and one of the largest events of its kind in the world. This year more than £4 million (Dh 24m) of prize money will be awarded over the five days. Sheikh Mohammed is known for his passion for thoroughbred racing, and is host of the richest series of races, the Dubai World Cup.
His horses have won important races in the UK, including some of the British Classics, in addition to wins in Ireland, France and the United States. He also owns Darley Stables and is a partner in Godolphin Stables. Sheikh Mohammed had three horses entered in the Gold Cup: Eastern Anthem, Veracity and Sagara. Although none won, his filly Flying Cloud, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won the Ribblesdale Stakes.
The Gold Cup, traditionally presented by the Queen, is run on the third day of Royal Ascot, known as Ladies' Day, the busiest day of the week. More than 70,000 people were there yesterday.
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