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Shareholder is set to spearhead Wathnan Racing's assault on Sunday's Gr.1 Sumbe Prix Morny at Deauville, as the Qatari royal operation looks to build on their impressive Royal Ascot success.
Wathnan Racing, established in 2022, is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The operation has quickly become a major player on the global stage, reflecting the Sheikh's passion for thoroughbred racing and his country's growing influence in the sport.
The Karl Burke-trained Shareholder electrified Ascot with a scintillating display in the Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes in June. Since that trailblazing victory, the colt has been kept under wraps, but connections are now ready to unleash him on the French Group One stage.
Richard Brown, racing and bloodstock adviser to Wathnan Racing, said on Monday: "He's been great and has had a break since Royal Ascot. He worked this morning and, while I haven't spoken to Karl yet, I was sent a video and it looked pretty pleasing to my eye."
Yorkshire-based Burke has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, with his Middle East adventures playing a significant role. The trainer has become a regular at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, saddling multiple winners including Ellthea in the 2019 Gr.2 Cape Verdi.
Sheikh Tamim's involvement in racing extends beyond Wathnan Racing. Through various operations, including Qatar Racing, he has enjoyed significant success on the international stage. Notable triumphs include Roaring Lion's four Group One victories in 2018 and Kameko's 2000 Guineas win in 2020.
The Sheikh's commitment to racing is further evidenced by Qatar's sponsorship of major events, including the prestigious 'Qatar Goodwood Festival' in England.
Wathnan Racing's distinctive grey and gold silks have already graced winner's enclosures at the highest level, with Haatem providing a memorable triumph in the Gr.1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Speaking of Haatem, the Royal Ascot hero was a late withdrawal from Sunday's Gr.1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville after jockey James Doyle reported concerns on the way to post.
Brown provided an update: "We x-rayed him straight after the race and that showed nothing so there doesn't seem to be anything too serious. We'll give him a thorough going over but I think he must have banged himselfgoing out on to the course. That's only speculation and we'll take absolutely no chances with him."
Sunday's Prix Morny, a six-furlong sprint for juveniles, was claimed last year by subsequent champion two-year-old Vandeek. Shareholder will be looking to emulate that star's success and cement his own position at the top of the juvenile rankings.
A strong showing in Deauville would set Wathnan Racing up perfectly for a tilt at further glory during York's prestigious Ebor meeting. The team's rapidly expanding string is likely to be well represented on the Knavesmire, as they continue their quest for top-level success.
As Shareholder prepares for his French foray, the racing world will be watching closely. With Burke's expert touch and Sheikh Tamim's ambitious backing, this exciting colt could be set to add another jewel to the Emir's growing collection of racing crowns on the sun-kissed Normandy coast.
