Saeed bin Suroor on stable star Mawj, his love for Royal Ascot and respect for 'The Boss'

When Mawj held on to win the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month, elation was coupled with palpable relief for trainer, Saeed bin Suroor and jockey Oisin Murphy.

Both are looking to reclaim their pre-eminent positions in the sport, Bin Suroor as a four-time former champion trainer in England and, Murphy back after a 14-month ban, a three-time leading rider. The hard fought win over the Rowley Mile hints at better times ahead.

It was Bin Suroor’s first English Classic success for 14 years a period in which, having carried all before him for two decades, he has been eclipsed by Godolphin’s other trainer in Britain, Charlie Appleby.

Bin Suroor, 56, is philosophical enough to accept the swings of fortune and fate that accompany sport at the highest level.

More importantly, as Godolphin’s longest serving trainer, he knows he retains the confidence and support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. “It was just like the old days when we had all the stars,” Bin Suroor said of the Guineas triumph. “The Boss was very happy!”

Murphy’s fall from grace was rather more self-inflicted for a likeable young man who for years has had to carry the mantle of the next Frankie Dettori.

Having only returned to the saddle in February, winning on Mawj was confirmation that he has lost none of his considerable swashbuckling edge. “It’s beyond my wildest dreams,” the emotional Irishman said.

Trainer, jockey and horse will be reunited next week at Royal Ascot, where Mawj will be the Stanley House flag bearer in the Coronation Stakes on Friday.

It is a race Godolphin has never won and set to be a high class renewal, but Bin Suroor doesn’t see why his "tiny filly with a big heart" will not again prevail. “It will be a