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The Derby, the Sheikh and the Missing Princess (Or: How Human Rights Became the Talk of a Horse Race)
The ruler of Dubai has spent a fortune pursuing Kentucky glory. In Essential Quality, Saturday’s favorite, he has his best chance—but it comes at his ugliest moment. The select yearling sale at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., is where the world’s big players converge each year to throw staggering sums of money at thoroughbred…
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Stark light shone on Latifa’s father, a big player in Irish horse racing
The woman who helped Princess Latifa in her attempt to escape from Dubai has called on Irish horseracing authorities to ban Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from the sport. Princess Latifa’s friend Tiina Jauhiainen said it is time for Irish racing to take a stand on the ruler of the gulf state over his…
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Brenda Power: Let’s not horse around — racing is just business
What would the bloodstock magnate Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum have to do to provoke the same horror and indignation in the racing world as that picture of trainer Gordon Elliott sitting on a dead horse? Abduct two of his own daughters at gunpoint and keep them as prisoners for years? Get agents to terrorise…
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United Nations and the BHA would do well to take heed and learn lessons of former Newmarket school governor’s stand against Sheikh Mohammed
At a certain point in Panorama’s 32-minute report, The Missing Princess, broadcast last Tuesday, a troubling story became disturbing. From wondering how Princess Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum was coping with being held captive by her father, the ruler of Dubai, the viewer’s concern was for the young woman’s safety. The princess is one of…
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The inside story of the Dubai princess who fled from her billionaire father
Two years ago, Princess Latifa staged an escape from her repressed life in Dubai. It failed and she hasn’t been seen in public since. When we got in the car on the day of our escape, I turned to Latifa and said, ‘We’re like Thelma and Louise,’ says Tiina Jauhiainen, with a small smile at…
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Dubai Sheikh’s horse should not run in the Oaks, lawyer says
A powerful leader of the United Arab Emirates should not be allowed to run his horse in The Kentucky Oaks because of allegations that he is holding his daughter hostage, a UofL professor says. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, owns two horse farms in…
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Human Rights Advocates Want Kentucky Horse Racing Panel to Ban Dubai Ruler Accused of Kidnapping Daughter
Human rights activists called on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to ban Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum from entering his horses in races at Churchill Downs, possibly including the track’s Derby week card.
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How racing could save a young woman’s life
Somewhere in the United Arab Emirates is a 33-year-old woman who fears for her life. Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – or Princess Latifa, as she is best known – is being held against her will by her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
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Dubai leader accused of holding daughter hostage could be banned from Derby
Could the leader of Dubai be banned from the Kentucky Derby? Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has a horse running in the Oaks, and a possible Derby contender. But accusations the ruler is holding his daughter hostage have caught the attention of a group of human rights attorneys and they want the Kentucky Horse Racing…
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Afternoons With Andy Maher: Interview with Lisa Bloom
US Attorney Lisa Bloom discusses Sheikha Latifa, Sheikh Mohammed, and racing giant Godolphin with Andy Maher.