Maktoum Family Death Postpones Sakhee's Start

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Due to a death of a member of the United Arab Emirate's ruling Maktoum family, racing at Nad Al Sheba has been canceled Thursday, pushing back Sakhee's scheduled start until Sunday.

According to Web reports from the Gulf, Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died Thursday in an automobile accident. The accident occurred while Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum was en route to participate in the Emirates Giants Endurance Ride. He and other members of the royal family were scheduled to take part in the 122-kilometer endurance test that was to be run in five stages.

The late Maktoum also owned horses, including two previously scheduled to race Thursday -- Aslaaf, who was to face Sakhee, and Eoin Harty-trained Wahajj.

The cancellation also forces the postponement of the 3-year-old debut of Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) runner-up Imperial Gesture, which was due to take place in the Moonshell Mile. Both Sakhee's 1 1/4-mile race and the Moonshell Mile will be run as part of a nine-race card on Sunday.

Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) runner-up Sakhee is looking to use Sunday's race as a prep for the Dubai Word Cup (UAE-I).

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