Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad’s interest in the Dubai World Cup has stepped up a gear following the purchase of Toast Of New York by his Qatar-based Al Shaqab racing operation.
Toast Of New York, who was owned by Michael Buckley, must pass a veterinary examination before the deal is settled.
The four-year-old American-bred colt won the UAE Derby last year and then ran a huge race to finish second to Bayern in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November for trainer Jamie Osborne after a campaign in America.
The international acceptors deadline for the World Cup meeting on March 28 was on Friday. It is understood both Bayern and Toast Of New York were among them.
“Our initial thoughts and discussions started at around the time of the Breeders’ Cup,” said Harry Herbert, the Al Shaqab racing manager.
“The World Cup is a hell of a horse race and it will be great to go to Dubai with a chance to win it.
“He is a tremendous specimen and has really filled his frame as a four-year-old. From speaking to Jamie, I think he is going straight to the race without a prep.”
Jamie Spencer has ridden Toast Of New York on five of his eight starts, but will have to give way to Frankie Dettori, the retained rider for Al Shaqab.
Spencer tweeted a picture of two eggs in boiling water yesterday with the caption: “Hey Frankie, you may as well have my eggs too, since you have nicked my Toast!”
Al Shaqab bought a significant interest in Ruler Of The World just days before the Dubai World Cup last season.
Ruler Of The World was one of three runners on World Cup night for the fledgling operation and the Aidan O’Brien-trained horse finished 13th to African Story in the final World Cup on Tapeta.
Mshawish was fourth in the Dubai Duty Free, having won the Zabeel Mile and finished second in the Al Fahidi Fort and Dubday was 14th in the Sheema Classic.
The Qatari Sheikh Joaan has won two of the past three Dubai Kahayla Classics with Al Mamum Monlau and TM Fred Texas.
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