SHEIKH Mohammed was 69 on Sunday and he received an early birthday present on Friday at Newmarket.

Before racing the Ruler of Dubai attended the stallion parade at Dalham Hall Stud and, just after Dubawi had left the stage, MC Nick Luck announced to breeders that there was a special presentation to be made.

Princess Haya stepped forward with children Sheikh Zayed and Sheika Al Jalila to present Sheikh Mohammed with a very ornate music box.

It was fascinating to see that one of the tunes the box plays is We Are The Champions. Is His Highness a secret Queen fan?