The British Horseracing Authority and the executives at tracks such as Ascot and Goodwood have – quite understandably – had little or nothing to say so far about the developing crisis in the Gulf, which places British racing’s two biggest benefactors from the region on opposite sides of a blockade.
Godolphin’s Sheikh Mohammed is the defence minister of the United Arab Emirates, part of a coalition led by Saudi Arabia which has cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar. Land, sea and air links have been severed, while Qatari citizens in the UAE have been given a fortnight to leave. The Saudi-led coalition accuses Qatar of support for terrorist groups and destabilising its neighbours, claims that Qatar denies.
Related: Talking Horses: British racing to follow government’s lead over Qatar
Related: Godolphin split goes public after John Ferguson quits as chief executive
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