Sheikh Hamdan: U.S. TC Too Much Pressure

Horses competing in the U.S. Triple Crown races fail to sweep the series because they are under too much pressure to perform in a short amount of time, Sheikh Hamdan told Reuters Africa in an interview published May 24. 

 

The Maktoum family's Godolphin operation, founded and led by Sheikh Hamdan's brother Sheikh Mohammed, will be represented by Frosted in the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), the final jewel in the classic series. The 1 1/2-mile race also will include May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and May 16 Xpressbet.com Preakness (gr. I) winner American Pharoah, who will attempt to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the elusive Triple Crown trophy.

 

Frosted, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, finished fourth in the Derby and bypassed the Preakness.

 

"At this time of the year, to me, the reason is that they are still young to run three times in five weeks," said Sheikh Hamdan, who operates the Shadwell racing and breeding operation. "That is a lot of pressure.

 

"Good horses sometimes have so much pressure. Most of them, they break down. The point is (the anti-bleeding medication) Lasix they give to the horses. Sometimes the horses do not perform. They force them to perform and they say no, it is for bleeding. 

 

"But I think it is much safer for the horse in Europe. They look after the horse (more) than America. That is my own opinion."

 

To read the full interview, click here.