The maroon and white returns as Line debuts for Sheikha Al Jalila

A decade since they were last regularly seen on Britain's racecourses, the maroon and white silks so synonymous with Sheikh Mohammed's stars of old make a welcome return at Newmarket on Friday.

Royal Line, a son of Dubawi out of a half-sister to Galileo and Sea The Stars, makes his debut in a July course maiden as the first horse to run in the name of Sheikha Al Jalila, the nine-year-old daughter of Sheikh Mohammed and Princess Haya.

Dubai's ruler has handed down through his family silks synonymous with stars such as Oh So Sharp, Pebbles and Ajdal, who 30 years ago landed the July Cup on the track where Royal Line will revive many memories when lining up under Robert Tart.

John Gosden, who trains around a dozen horses for HH Sheikha Al Jalila Racing, said: "He came to us from France where he spent some time with Andre Fabre. He's ready to start off and will appreciate some cut in the ground."

When in France Royal Line had been attached to Godolphin, whose UK managing director Hugh Anderson said: "It is very exciting to see the original Sheikh Mohammed silks being taken up by Sheikha Al Jalila.

"Her involvement this season at Royal Ascot showed her love of the sport and we wish her and the family every possible success as this new chapter unfolds."

Speaking to the Racing Post last month, Sheikh Mohammed said: "My daughter Jalila is completely passionate about racing. She spends hours in the stables, happy to feed and groom. She follows the horses' work and discusses it at great length with me.

"That commitment, dedication, and real love she has for Newmarket and the people in racing means so much to me.

"I truly hope these colours bring her and her generation as many moments of joy as they have for me and the people of racing with which I have had the privilege to share them."

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