SportHorse racingSheikh MohammedGodolphin is one of the founding partners of the team event which is due to be launched in the US by figures behind the success of Formula 114:24, 09 Jul 2026Sheikh Mohammed has reportedly paid £4.4million to buy a team for a new horse racing event..‌His Godolphin operation has been named as one of the founding partners in the Horse Racing League, a new event being launched by figures behind the success of Formula 1.‌The plan is to kick off the inaugural season in February 2027 with ten teams, of which WinStar, Florida Panthers owner Vinnie Viola, Hollywood executive Gary Barber and other celebrities have pledged involvement. The race meetings will be staged at major US tracks, Santa Anita in California, Gulfstream in Florida and Keeneland in Kentucky.‌The HRL hopes to not only appeal to the sport’s global fanbase but also introducing racing to new fans.“Formula 1 demonstrated what can happen when you bring fans to a historic sport in a modern way through storytelling and social media. Horse racing has all the thrilling elements: exciting competition, heritage, drama, glamour, and star power,” said Greg Maffei, CEO of BANN Ventures and Co-Founder of the HRL with Danny Epstien.‌“The HRL brings the excitement of teams to follow, dramatic rivalries, high-stakes betting, and a championship that builds race by race.”The points-based competition will feature ten runners in every race. More than £7.4m will be available in prize-money.Article continues belowViola said: “Horse racing already commands one of the largest single-day audiences in American sports. Investing in a team-based concept designed to carry that momentum across a full season is what makes the HRL so exciting for us.”A live draft event will be held in November 2026 where each team will select eight horses to form their rosters.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌KeenelandFlorida PanthersSheikh MohammedHorses