Racing: Embassy joins the Godolphin exodus to the desert

The Newmarket trainer David Loder was dealt a huge blow yesterday when his leading 1,000 Guineas contender Embassy and top miler Starborough were among 12 horses transferred by Sheikh Mohammed to his Godolphin operation. The pair will spend the winter in Dubai before returning to Europe to race under the guidance of the Godolphin trainer, Saeed bin Suroor.

John Gosden and Michael Stoute also suffer, losing three each as Godolphin strengthens next year's team. Gosden loses Cape Cross, Conon Falls and King Sound, while Bint Albaadiya, Crown Of Light and Kayf Tara leave Stoute.

l My Emma, a disappointing 11th in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is to be retired to stud. The Rae Guest-trained four-year-old numbered the Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille among her career wins.