Sheikh pledges $5m to disaster fund

Sheikh Mohammed has pledged $5 million to the Keeneland disaster relief fund following last week's terrorist attacks in America.

The crown prince of Dubai, who is minister of defence for the United Arab Emirates, is making the donation to the fund set up by the Keeneland Association during the September yearling sales.

Keeneland president Nick Nicholson told the Thoroughbred Corporation website: 'Sheikh Mohammed was deeply touched by the tragic events and the recovery and relief efforts that followed.

'His donation is a wonderfully generous display of leadership and humanity.'

Sheikh Mohammed has roundly condemned the attacks and insisted that the United Arab Emirates would stand firmly behind the United States over its strong stand against terrorism.

The relief fund organised by Keeneland has raised a total of $5.7m since being opened the day after the terrorist attack on the United States.

Nicholson added: 'The unmistakable conclusion is simple, yet profound. Across the planet, despite our differences, those things that we have in common are much greater than those that separate us.

'The entire thoroughbred community responded with compassion and generosity.

'We can`t thank them enough for their contributions to the fund.'