"Although there have been no obvious signs of a reconciliation, Magnier's decision to authorise entries will lead to speculation that an olive branch has been offered to Sheikh Mohammed, whose desire to further raise the status of Dubai racing has been hampered by an absence of runners from Ballydoyle."

"For while their achievements together have lent an air of immutability to the partnership between O'Brien and his patrons at Coolmore Stud, the man himself shares no such illusions. Sooner or later, he candidly expects the emperors -- John Magnier, and his partners at Coolmore -- to end up with a new general. Already there are intimations of a long-term shift."