From York to Kentucky Derby – Godolphin are making a mark

For Vale of York – the Breeder's Cup winner – is set to line up in the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the American Triple Crown and one of the most famous Flat races in the world.

The horse is owned by Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai whose Godolphin racing empire has enjoyed so much success with stable jockey Frankie Dettori.

While the three-year-old thoroughbred has no local connections – he was bred in Ireland – Godolphin are certainly happy for their star horse to be flying the flag for this region.

"The name comes from Red Vale, the horse's dam who never actually raced," said a Godolphin spokeswoman.

"We decided we wanted to use 'Vale' in the name – but couldn't come up with anything to tie in with Invincible Spirit, the sire.

"It was only then that we settled on Vale of York. We've had plenty of past successes on the Knavesmire, and it's particularly apt that Vale of York's first race should have been at York last July – and that he won!"

This first success was then followed by a slightly disappointing fifth place in the Acomb Stakes at the Ebor Festival, a race won by Elusive Pimpernel.

But this turned out to be a high-quality renewal of the race – and Vale of York's subsequent success in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile last November, North America's premier championship race for two-year-olds, did not surprise Godolphin.

A shade over 30-1, he benefited from an inspired ride by Ahmed Ajtebi, one of Dettori's understudies, who found himself boxed in at Santa Anita, California.

Horse and rider extricated themselves from this tight spot to silence the American faithful who believed the heavily-backed local favourite, Lookin At Lucky, only had to turn up to win.

Compared to the millions that Godolphin spend on racehorses, Vale of York appears to be one of the operation's more modest acquisitions.

Certainly this was not lost on Lookin At Lucky's deflated trainer Bob Baffert when he reflected upon his conqueror's pedigree and price.

"It's just frustrating to know you have much the best horse and to come up short like that," he said ruefully.

He may have to get used to this reality. For Sheikh Mohammed has indicated that Vale of York will travel across the Atlantic to line up in the Kentucky Derby rather than contest the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket – the first Classic of the English Flat season – on the corresponding weekend in early May.

The horse's handicap rating of 118 sees him trail Racing Post Trophy winner and Guineas favourite St Nicholas Abbey, who will race off 124 and is the highest-ranked. In comparison, Middleham trainer Mark Johnston's Awzaan is on 117.

The Sheikh is reportedly determined to win the Kentucky Derby because it is one of the few major races (like the Epsom Derby)that continues to elude him – or, as some would say, money has been unable to buy.

His racing manager, Simon Crisford, said: "Vale of York will possibly be aimed at the Kentucky Derby, depending on how he performs at the new Meydan racecourse (in Dubai) and he will start off on the all-weather there."

For a horse that had its first race in York, it will be a memorable journey if he can win the one horse race that stops America – and provide priceless free publicity for the one and only Vale of York in God's own county.