In a landmark moment for global horse racing, Godolphin, the world-renowned thoroughbred operation founded by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, etched its name in history with four monumental victories between May 2 and May 4, 2025. The powerhouse stable captured prestigious titles across Churchill Downs in the United States and Newmarket Racecourse in the United Kingdom, underscoring its dominance on both sides of the Atlantic.
The unforgettable run began on Friday, May 2, at Churchill Downs, where Godolphin’s filly GOOD CHEER clinched the Kentucky Oaks (Grade 1), delivering a brilliant performance under Luis Saez and the expert conditioning of Brad Cox. Navigating a challenging muddy track, GOOD CHEER claimed victory in a time of 1:50.15, securing the coveted blanket of lilies and kicking off the weekend with flair.
The next day, Saturday, May 3, brought double delight for Godolphin. At Newmarket, the elite colt RULING COURT, trained by Charlie Appleby and piloted by William Buick, surged to victory in the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas (Group 1). This marked Godolphin’s sixth triumph in the prestigious British Classic, as RULING COURT outpaced rivals FIELD OF GOLD and SHADOW OF LIGHT with an authoritative finish down the Rowley Mile.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the most anticipated race in American horse racing—the 151st Kentucky Derby—saw Godolphin’s SOVEREIGNTY shine on the sport’s grandest stage. Trained by Bill Mott and guided by Junior Alvarado, SOVEREIGNTY overcame a sloppy track to defeat favorite JOURNALISM and claim the first-ever Kentucky Derby title for Godolphin, finishing the 1¼-mile in 2:02.31. This long-awaited triumph fulfilled Sheikh Mohammed’s dream of winning America’s most iconic race.
The streak culminated on Sunday, May 4, back at Newmarket with the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas (Group 1), where Godolphin’s filly DESERT FLOWER, again trained by Appleby and ridden by Buick, displayed exceptional heart and acceleration to secure the stable’s fifth win in this fillies’ Classic.
Together, these four victories within three days represent one of the most extraordinary achievements in modern racing. With wins in both Guineas Classics and both Kentucky Classics, Godolphin has set a standard of excellence few can rival. This dominant display also cements the exceptional partnership of trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick, who together delivered a Guineas double at Newmarket. Their synergy has become a hallmark of Godolphin’s success in recent years.
This exceptional achievement reflects not only the depth of Godolphin’s talent pool but also the long-standing commitment of Sheikh Mohammed to the sport. With the international flat racing season now in full swing, all eyes will be on the royal blue silks to see whether this remarkable momentum can be carried forward in the months ahead.
