Michael Stidham said he "couldn’t be happier" after Mystic Guide was drawn in gate six in the silver jubilee running of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday.
The four-year-colt is one of Godolphin’s three runners from three different continents in Dubai World Cup meeting’s flagship race that has drawn the maximum allowed field of 14 runners.
The US-based Mystic Guide arrives on the back of a victory in the Grade 3 Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park on February 27 and is a leading fancy in the $12million race.
“It's perfect. I couldn’t be happier,” Stidham said after the post-position draw ceremony at Meydan on Wednesday.
A minute's silence was observed as mark of respect for Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and one of the world's leading owner-breeders who passed away on Wednesday.
While Mystic Guide had the best draw of the three Godolphin runners in the race, Saeed bin Suroor’s Gifts Of Gold was drawn widest in gate 14 and Andre Fabre’s Magny Cours in gate 12.
“The draw is not the best [for Gifts Of Gold] but we’ll have to deal with it,” Bin Suroor, the most successful trainer with nine Dubai World Cup wins, said.
“On a positive note, the horse is doing well. He can jump well from the stalls to overcome the wide draw, hopefully.
“I’m happy with the way he has trained after coming back from his win [in the Red Sea Turf Handicap at the Saudi Cup meeting on February 20] from Saudi. We are looking forward to seeing him run well.”
Richard Lambert, traveling head lad for French trainer Fabre said they would have preferred gate six to eight for Magny Cours.
“My boss would probably have preferred something like stall 6, 7 or 8, but 12 is okay,” he said.
“He is not a horse who shows a lot of speed at the start, but after the first turn he starts to accelerate so the draw isn’t as important.”
Of the local entries, Musabah Al Muhairi’s Military Law, winner of the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 and sixth in the $20million Saudi Cup, will break from gate five.
“I am very happy with the draw,” Al Muhairi said. “This is perfect and I just couldn’t have asked for a better position for him to start.
“If he jumps out well and Antonio Fresu can get him into a good position just off the pace then we have every reason to believe he will be in a good position to contest the finish. He will work for the last time on Thursday and we will have him ready for race day.”
Doug Watson’s Thegreatcollection starts from gate eight and Salem bin Ghadayer’s pair Hypothetical and Capezzano are in gate two and seven, respectively.
Watson said of the Thegreatcollection: “We have to be happy with eight and we know he is a horse who likes to be ridden patiently so, hopefully, there is plenty of early pace and he can pick up in the straight. He is in great form and looks fantastic anyway.”
Bahraini trainer Fawzi Nass’ Salute The Soldier, winner of both the second and third legs of the Al Maktoum Challenge drew gate 11.
“Obviously we would have preferred a lower draw but it is what it is and, in Adrie de Vries, we have a top jockey who will ride his race as he sees fit,” Nass added.
The Japanese raider Chuwa Wizard jumps out from gate three and his handler Ryuji Okubo said: “It is a good draw. I didn't want a wide gate because [the start] is close to the first turn.”
The Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational runner-up Jesus' Team will jump from stall nine and will have Sleepy Eyes Todd next to him in 10.
“When I saw post position nine I was happy because it's in the middle,” said Jose Francisco D’Angelo, the trainer of Jesus’ Team.
“He doesn't need to make an aggressive move at the beginning. I like the number nine,.
“It was a relief. In the Breeders' Cup Mile, he had to start from gate 11. He can move fast to find a good spot.”
Saudi raider Great Scot, third behind Mishriff and Charlatan in the Saudi Cup, is drawn in gate 1 while Title Ready is in gate four and Uruguayan raider Ajuste Fiscal in gate 13.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: Audi e-tron
Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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The five pillars of Islam
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
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EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
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Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
The biog
From: Ras Al Khaimah
Age: 50
Profession: Electronic engineer, worked with Etisalat for the past 20 years
Hobbies: 'Anything that involves exploration, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, the sea, hiking, scuba diving, and adventure sports'
Favourite quote: 'Life is so simple, enjoy it'
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
What is the Supreme Petroleum Council?
The Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council was established in 1988 and is the highest governing body in Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas industry. The council formulates, oversees and executes the emirate’s petroleum-related policies. It also approves the allocation of capital spending across state-owned Adnoc’s upstream, downstream and midstream operations and functions as the company’s board of directors. The SPC’s mandate is also required for auctioning oil and gas concessions in Abu Dhabi and for awarding blocks to international oil companies. The council is chaired by Sheikh Khalifa, the President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi while Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, is the vice chairman.