Godolphin founder has big chance to break Melbourne Cup drought in 2016

LEICESTER City did it. The Cowboys did it. South Sydney, the Western Bulldogs and Cronulla did it. How about one of the world’s richest men?

Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Princess Haya bint Al Hussein. Picture: Getty Images

LEICESTER City did it. The Cowboys did it. South Sydney, the Western Bulldogs and Cronulla did it.

In a turbulent sporting world, monkeys are being brushed off backs and historical brick walls bulldozed as teams say hooroo to hoodoos by breaking title droughts. But one great peak remains unconquered — Godolphin’s quest for the Melbourne Cup.

This year one of the world’s richest men, Godolphin founder Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has five in the Cup field, including favourite Hartnell.

Since Faithful Son ran seventh at a $7.50 chance in 1998, Sheik Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, has sent another 19 starters to the great race but none has delivered his heart’s desire.

The Sheik’s private trainer, Saeed Bin Suroor, has sent out the Cup runner-up three times — Central Park (1999), Give The Slip (2001) and Crime Scene (2009).

Hartnell is the favourite for this year’s Cup. Picture: Getty Images

The Sheik’s loyal staff would never say their great leader is obsessed by Cup glory – super cool Sheiks don’t do obsession. But this mission will not be aborted until the Sheik owns a Cup winner.

“I have no clue who invented the word impossible, but it is clearly someone looking for an easy life,” the Sheik said recently.

With the price for a standard Cup import from Europe surging into seven figures, the Cup is increasingly becoming a familiar tale of the rich getting richer and the poor getting the picture.

But even as one of the richest men in the world, the Sheik just can’t get his hands on the trophy.

He has a net worth in the billions of dollars, and heads the largest racing conglomerate in the world which has won just about every major trophy. But no Cup.

The angst is accentuated by the fact his brother Sheik Hamdan has won two Cups with At Talaq and Jeune.

The Sheik’s love of horses began when he used to ride to school and feed some of his lunch to his horse, and ride bareback across the desert sands.

He hires people who share his passion, a fact noted by Hall of Fame American trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

“I remember when I won the ’99 (Kentucky) Derby with Charismatic,” Lukas told Sports Illustrated. “I was on the infield for the trophy presentation, and (Godolphin’s) whole group just stood by the opening to the infield and soaked up the presentation.

“Nobody does that when they don’t win.”

Godolphin do. They have plenty of practice at it.

Originally published as Godolphin founder has big chance to break Melbourne Cup drought in 2016