The second edition of the UAE Pioneers initiative was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday in Dubai.
The second edition of the UAE Pioneers initiative was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday in Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed honoured 44 Emirati personalities who are distinguished in their fields, including Godolphin's longest serving trainer, Saeed bin Suroor, for his services to horseracing.
In a glittering career Saeed bin Suroor has collected four British trainers' championships, sent out 12 British Classic winners since 1995 headlined by Lammtarra and has saddled seven Dubai World Cup winners including the brilliant Dubai Millennium who won for Saeed and Godolphin in 2000.
His other notable international wins include Sulamani's victory in the Arlington Million in 2003, Daylami (1999) and Fantastic Light (2001) in the Breeders' Cup Turf, while France's top race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, was won by Sakhee (2001) and Marienbard (2002), as well as Lammtarra (1995). In October 2008, Saeed broke new ground with Godolphin's first Group One winner in Australia when All The Good won the Caulfield Cup.
Reflecting on his honour, Saeed bin Suroor commented: "This accolade is the biggest achievement in my professional career, and will remain a source of eternal pride and inspiration for me."
"I would like to dedicate my achievements as a trainer to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. He was the brainchild and driving force behind Godolphin, offering every support and guidance to the entire operation across the board, which I consider critical in a tough and highly-competitive sport like horseracing."
"This recognition would not have been possible without the support of dedicated teams, careful planning, top-class training facilities and high attention to everything concerning the horse."
"I am also indebted to the immense support of Darley, which supply the stables with the best blueblood equine athletes around and also paves the way for such achievements."
"Receiving an award like this is testament to the ability of Emiratis to represent their nation in international arenas. Such an honour will inspire myself and my team to redouble our efforts in our drive for further success throughout the world."
