AL Shaqab may not have had a challenger for the HH The Emir’s Trophy, but they are looking forward to going into battle with some pretty impressive ammunition for the season ahead, both on the racing and the breeding fronts.

Harry Herbert had upbeat reports on their three Group 1 winners who stay in training this year. He seemed especially effusive about Galileo Gold whom he said “looks fantastic and has done unbelievably well.” His main aim is the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes. The son of Paco Boy was acquired after winning a couple of juvenile races and quickly rewarded his new owner when landing the Group 2 Qatar Vintage Stakes. Last year he added the 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes to his list of victories.