Museum silks on show as Qatar Racing lease out runner

A unique set of colours will be donned by Oisin Murphy at Newmarket on Saturday with the Qatar Racing-owned Melodic Motion leased to the ‘Art Fund Museum of the Year Finalists 17’ for her appearance in the Betway Fillies’ Handicap (4.20).

The black and yellow silks had originally been planned to be worn in the first race with Qatar Racing's intended runner Diamond Pour Moi in the Listed Betway Fred Archer Stakes. However, the Ralph Beckett-trained filly was declared a non-runner on Friday afternoon due to an abnormal blood analysis.

David Redvers, racing manager for Qatar Racing and Pearl Bloodstock, said: "Sheikh Fahad is delighted to help and did not hesitate once he heard about the initiative.

"The National Heritage Centre is doing a great job in promoting the sport and increasing people’s understanding of its history and heritage, while also educating and entertaining visitors. We wish them the best of luck in their bid to win the prestigious prize of Art Fund Museum of the Year."

The silks change is hoped to raise awareness of the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art’s nomination as a finalist for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017 - with the £100,000 prize set to be awarded on July 5, for which the National Heritage Centre in Newmarket is the first sporting museum to be shortlisted.

Chris Garibaldi, director of the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art, said: "We’re extremely grateful to Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and Ralph Beckett for allowing us to lease Melodic Motion for this exciting race at Newmarket.

"The idea is for all the 2017 Art Fund Museum of the Year finalists to be able to enjoy and celebrate being on the shortlist and experience the thrill of our amazing sport of horseracing. It shows the unique cultural territory that the National Heritage Centre at Palace House in Newmarket occupies, connecting as it does the worlds of sport, science and the arts.

"The involvement of Sheikh Fahad in this unique way echoes the industry-wide support we have received since the shortlist was announced – so now it’s fingers crossed for a winner - in both races!"