Godolphin's Five Countries Line Up For Ascot

Godolphin will send runners to Royal Ascot next week from all corners of the globe, forming an unprecedented international representation at Britain's highest-profile meeting.

Five countries where Godolphin have horses in training will all contribute to the Royal Blues' strong and impressive line-up over the five days - Britain, Ireland, France, United States and Australia.

"This is a new thing for Godolphin, to send horses from five countries," John Ferguson, the chief executive and racing manager, commented. "Eoin Harty has brought over the two-year-old Drafted from America, while John O'Shea has shipped in Holler from Australia.

"Then, of course, we have our trainers in Britain, Ireland and France, who have traditionally sent their best to the meeting over many years.

"It shows the importance of Royal Ascot, and where it stands on our list of priorities. We have always been keen to perform well there, and we have assembled a team of horses that we believe give us every chance of doing that next week," Ferguson said.

More than 50 Godolphin-owned horses are in the squad. Multiple entries will be commonplace, including strong representation in the handicaps. "We will fine down the list as the meeting gets closer. But our policy is to run where we have the best chance of winning," Ferguson pointed out.

The unbeaten Drafted is a fascinating inclusion in the team. Harty originally pinpointed the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes on Tuesday as the juvenile's likely target, but now the G2 Norfolk Stakes on June 16 has entered the equation. Both races are over five furlongs.

Ferguson said: "Drafted will also have an entry in the Norfolk. We will have a look at both races and then decide."

The unbeaten Kananee, who won at York, and the Nottingham winner Silver Line are also ear-marked for the Windsor Castle.