Two big names in thoroughbred horse racing, Godolphin and Darley, are set to merge in the New Year. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will see his global racing and breeding empires join into one operation under Godolphin. John Ferguson, currently bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed, has been appointed Chief Executive and Racing Manager of the re-shaped entity. Meanwhile, Darley will now be used solely as a brand to promote stallions.

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