Invasion by Godolphin Racing's blue silks is likely to change the complexion of the sport

Prepare for the blue invasion.

They are coming, those men and horses decked out in the royal blue silks and saddle towels of Godolphin Racing. Although they will arrive with conquest on their minds-capturing the gold Kentucky Derby (G1) trophy is now the primary target of Godolphin commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum-perhaps they will bring some of his aggressive ideas for racing with them.

On a sultry Dubai day last month, Sheikh Mohammed presided over a news conference with reporters from around the world and proved he is the most creative force in Thoroughbred racing-anywhere.

In an hour and 45 minutes of nonstop questions and answers, he swept away the global map of racing as we know it. In his new world, the richest race for three-year-olds will be the UAE Derby, worth $2-million in its second running in 2001, double the value of any of the American Triple Crown races for which Sheikh Mohammed intended it to be a prep.

With the UAE Derby's increase from the $500,000 pot offered in the inaugural running in March and other possible purse hikes, the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) program would, on its sixth anniversary, become the richest on the globe with at least $13.5-million on the line in 2001. It could surpass the vaunted Breeders' Cup event, which will be in its 18th year then and which now is worth a total of $13-million.

Already the $6-million World Cup is the planet's richest single race, $2-million ahead of the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).

Even without legal wagering in Islamic Dubai, you can bet that a growing number of outstanding horses-and their trainers, jockeys, and owners-from around the world will be destined for Dubai in 2001 and beyond.

Of course, money helps, and Sheikh Mohammed is flush with the dirhams the Dubai oil wells have pumped into the pockets of the ruling Maktoum family. He has spared no expense in luring horse owners to ship to the remote coastal desert of his homeland.

Yet he also brings a vision and a determination to improve the sport-and the economy of Dubai in the process-that seems to be lacking in the United States, where industry leaders may have grown lax while dominating Thoroughbred racing and breeding worldwide for the last few decades.

With his background as a military general, Sheikh Mohammed devises racing campaigns featuring attacks from many directions. Last year, he spearheaded the creation of the Emirates World Series Racing Championship by encouraging the United Arab Emirates' airline company to sponsor the global series to the tune of $15-million. Previously, the plan had floundered without corporate backing.

The strategy yielded multiple benefits in 1999. The Emirates and the airline gained worldwide publicity; international Thoroughbred racing was promoted as never before; and racing in Dubai, host of the series kick-off event, the World Cup, received additional attention. Moreover, Sheikh Mohammed personally benefited when Godolphin's Daylami (Ire) won the first series championship and a $1-million bonus.

Sheikh Mohammed's plan for the World Cup, designed to spark commerce in the Persian Gulf principality, has succeeded on several levels as he has continually improved purses and facilities. Many Dubai enterprises sponsor the races, which this year attracted talented horses and their connections from 11 nations, a worldwide racing record.

Why can't American racing leaders emulate his initiative? Surely, they do not want to be outdone by the crown prince of a tiny sheikhdom on the Saudi Arabian peninsula. Purses for the Breeders' Cup and Triple Crown races could be increased, and the events could be promoted more aggressively. Mostly, a solid plan of action and inspired leadership are needed.

Despite what Sheikh Mohammed has accomplished in a short period of time, however, some American industry observers and officials still seem reluctant to acknowledge his efforts. Godolphin's Kentucky Derby chances are widely discounted by them as long as he insists on training his prospects in Dubai prior to the Triple Crown.

How long will it take to learn from Sheikh Mohammed and his record of success? Recalling that he already has snared all the classic races of Europe, Americans need to look beyond these coasts to more clearly understand the challenge of the future.

It is coming, in a blue wave across the Atlantic Ocean.