NEWMARKET, ENGLAND // Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid outbid John Magnier, the Irish tycoon, yesterday for a prized yearling fathered by the great Oasis Dream.
The Deputy Ruler of Dubai won with a bid of at 480,000 guineas (Dh2.9 million), securing the son of the 2003 champion sprinter whose progeny are among the most coveted.
"He's pretty hard to fault," said Anthea Gibson-Fleming, a spotter working for a leading agent. "Very strong quarters on him, a well-developed shoulder. His pasterns are good.
"He has a good outlook, a good head on him and is very well-balanced. He stands as a horse should stand. He also has a very good action, his hind legs are pushing him. His temperament is good."
Magnier lost out on the Oasis Dream colt, but he was able to acquire 14 yearlings over three days at 4.47 million guineas.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who owns the Godolphin racing empire, reduced his spending by 60 per cent compared to last year with an outlay of 3.21 million guineas.
The bloodstock industry has been "remarkably resilient" in light of the overall economic climate, said Jimmy George, the marketing director for Tattersalls, which hosted the first part of their October yearling sales.
"When you get an economic downturn like the one we have experienced since 2008 I think it affects everyone," he said.
"To a degree I think people have been slightly surprised how well the bloodstock market has held up throughout the world because we are dealing with almost the ultimate in luxury goods here.
"But that's not to pretend it's not without its challenges.This is a fair way off the peak of the market which was in 2007, so it would be wrong to pretend otherwise. But there is still a healthy demand for nice racehorses."
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Rating: 3/5
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
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Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
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- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less