LEXINGTON, Ky. -- One day after terrorists killed thousands of people in New York and Washington, D.C. with hijacked airplanes used as flying bombs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, a high-profile leader in the Arab world and one of the globe’s most prominent racing figures, condemned those involved with the crimes.

"We think this is a cowardice act against civilians. We are 100% against it and 100% with America to get these people to justice," Sheikh Mohammed said while attending the resumed Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington.

Sheikh Mohammed serves as minister of defense of the United Arab Emirates and crown prince of the emirate of Dubai.

Two of five initial suspects identified in Massachusetts as possibly linked to the hijackings were described in widespread news reports on Wednesday as Arab men with passports issued by the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed did not specifically comment on those reports.

He indicated that he would continue to buy yearlings at the Keeneland sale.

"This shouldn't effect (my buying) and it shouldn't stop our life. We should go on and bring these people to justice," he said.

Copyright 2001 Thoroughbred Times. Used with permission.