Sheikh Mohammed’s champion Australian horses, the exceptional Sepoy and three-time Group One winner Helmet, will challenge for international glory on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on March 31, 2012.
Sepoy has won 10 of his 11 races for Darley in Australia under the guidance of trainer Peter Snowden and his first start next year will be in the Group One Dubai Golden Shaheen over six furlongs on Tapeta.
The Elusive Quality colt, born on September 27, 2008, will remain in Peter Snowden’s care for the Dubai Golden Shaheen but carry Godolphin’s colours for the first time in that race.
Sepoy, successful in four Group One contests over six furlongs in Australia, will then transfer to one of Godolphin’s trainers for a campaign in Europe which could include races like the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Darley July Cup at Newmarket.
His most recent victory came in the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes under Kerrin McEvoy on October 29 at Flemington.
Helmet, winner of the Inglis Sires' Produce Stakes and Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes at two plus The Age Caulfield Guineas at three, will be prepped by Darley in Australia before shipping to Dubai for the UAE Derby in which he will sport the royal blue silks of Godolphin.
The Exceed And Excel (pictured) colt will race for Peter Snowden in the nine-furlong Dubai contest on March 31 and then switch to a Godolpin trainer for the European season.
Helmet last raced in the Group One Tatts Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 22 but failed to overcome the hoodoo on three-year-olds who start favourite for the 10-furlong race and came home eighth of the 14 runners after finding no more in the final furlong.
Henry Plumptre, managing director of Darley Australia, commented: “Both Sepoy and Helmet have achieved so much in Australia and it makes sense for them to go for international honours in Dubai and Europe.
“Peter Snowden, who has trained them brilliantly, will oversee their preparations for Dubai and hopefully the two horses will enjoy exciting campaigns in 2012.
