Yard-Arm sold to Sheikh Rashid

4 April 2005
South Africa's 2004 Horse Of The Year, Yard-Arm, who campaigned for Mike de
Kock in Dubai this season, has been sold to Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al
Maktoum, and has joined the stable of Mazin Al Kurdi. Owner Mike Rattray
commented: ``We're very happy with the deal. He's just about to turn six and
he's a gelding. He's done his run for us as breeders and he's done us proud.
It's time for him to move on.'' Mike de Kock said: ``It was a privilege to
train him. It's always sad to lose a horse, but you can't get emotional in
this business. The sale of Yard-Arm, Carnadore, Irridescence and Grand
Emporium is good for South African racing because it brings money back into
our industry. Owners and breeders need funds to re-invest, and at the end of
the day it keeps us going internationally. Also, one of the main aims in
Dubai is to move horses out of there once they have finished racing.''