KT Exclusive: How Sheikh Mohammed helped Japanese trainer Takagi realise his Dubai World Cup dream

KT Exclusive: How Sheikh Mohammed helped Japanese trainer Takagi realise his Dubai World Cup dream

In 1994, Takagi was chosen to join a unique initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that would see him intern at some of the most prestigious thoroughbred racing stables in England, Ireland, and France

Japan’s Ushba Tesoro after winning the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on March 25. — Dubai Media Office

Published: Wed 12 Apr 2023, 9:01 PM

When a relatively young assistant trainer named Noboru Takagi was offered a scholarship by one of the most influential men in the world of horse racing, little did he know that in the future it would lead him to the biggest success of his career.

In 1994, Takagi was chosen to join a unique initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that would see him intern at some of the most prestigious thoroughbred racing stables in England, Ireland, and France.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, at