English/Ire
Burke happy with Royal Champion ahead of Saudi bid
Karl Burke is looking forward to attempting to plunder further international riches as Royal Champion ready to head to Saudi for Neom Turf next month.
Owned by the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Royal Champion has done little wrong since transferring to the care of Karl Burke, winning for of his seven starts for the Yorkshire-based handler.
The seven-year-old son of Shamardal has done plenty of globetrotting throughout his career having filled the runner-up spot in the Canadian International before a three-start stint in Australia and following a taking success in the valuable Bahrain International Trophy, Burke's charge now looks set to be aimed at further international glory next month.
"Royal Champion has been in great form," said Burke. "He came out of the Bahrain race in great form.
"He had a little break, but he's been back in work since just before Christmas. I've been watching the videos of him working and he looks like he is working like his usual self.
"He goes to Saudi for the Neom Turf."
The 2026 Howden Neom Turf Cup run over the extended mile and a quarter will be staged for USD$3m on February 14th.
