Dubai: March 23, 2006 - In the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, the new life-size portrait of Dubai Millennium, the greatest horse to race for Godolphin, has been unveiled today, Thursday March 23, at the Godolphin Gallery, Nad Al Sheba.
The portrait commissioned by Dubai International Capital and modelled by Madame Tussauds in London, is a gift to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Godolphin's founder and driving force.
It recreates the moment Dubai Millennium, with Frankie Dettori in the saddle, passed the winning post for his greatest victory in the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba in 2000. He put up a devastating performance, leading all the way to win in record time.
He had won nine of his 10 starts when injury ended his racing days in August, 2000. Tragically Dubai Millennium died from grass sickness on April 29, 2001, during his first season as a stallion at Sheikh Mohammed's Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, England.
Dubai International Capital acquired the Tussauds Group in March, 2005 and its Chief Executive Officer Sameer Al Ansari commented: "We are proud to be part of the Millennium Moment which reflects Dubai's image as the global destination for horse racing and the finest horses in the world."
Peter Phillipson, Chief Executive Officer of The Tussauds Group, added: "Madame Tussauds is proud to have created this portrait of a truly great champion."
"We hope the portrait of Dubai Millennium and Frankie Dettori will bring much pleasure to visitors to the Godolphin Gallery for many years to come."
Godolphin's racing manager, Simon Crisford, said: "This portrait is a great addition to the Gallery and represents everything that Godolphin stands for."
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© Press Release 2006
