ROYAL ASCOT, ENGLAND // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid finally had a winner to celebrate on Day 3 of Royal Ascot as Kieren Fallon steered Godolphin runner Elite Army to victory in the King George V Stakes.
The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai was in attendance on Thursday along with Princess Haya as Saeed bin Suroor’s colt – the joint favourite – drove into top gear in the final furlong and won by three-quarters of a length from Windshear.
Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock adviser John Ferguson said: “Kieren got the gap and came away and won well.
“Sheikh Mohammed and the team are here and it’s great to have winners like this.
“Saeed has always liked him. He’s been progressive, and that’s what you need for these handicaps. Kieren works very closely with Saeed. They have a great relationship and trust each other.”
Bin Suroor said he knew Elite Army had a great chance of victory.
“The media asked me what my best chance of a winner was this week and I said this one, so I’m happy,” he said. “It’s very hard to have winners here.”
Looking to future plans, Bin Suroor said: “We will take him to Newmarket for the Bahrain Trophy, a Group 3, and he has plenty of options.
“The St Leger could be a race for him in the future if he does well there.
“He works well, he is fitter now and every time that he runs he has improved.”
Fallon said: “It feels better than ever [winning at Royal Ascot]. He could be a really serious horse one day, he goes on any ground and is getting better and better.”
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