He was one of the most successful horses sired by Diesis, the top-rated European two-year-old of his generation, whose other progeny included Diminuendo, Love Divine, Halling and Ramruma.

[4] The colt entered the ownership of Hamdan Al Maktoum and was sent to Europe where he was trained by Dick Hern at West Ilsley in Berkshire.

Starting the 2/5 favourite, he took the lead a quarter of a mile from the finish and drew clear of the field to win by seven lengths from Air Music.

He took the lead approaching the final furlong under a hard ride by Carson and won by half a length from Raj Waki with the Gran Criterium winner Candy Glen in fourth.

Eighteen days later, Elmaamul was moved up in distance to contest the ten furlong Predominate Stakes, a trial race for The Derby.

[8] On 6 June, Elmaamul started at odds of 10/1 in a field of eighteen for the 211th running of the Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse, with Razeen being made the 9/2 favourite.

Less than two weeks after his defeat at York, Elmaamul was sent to Ireland for the last running of the Irish Champion Stakes at Phoenix Park before the track was closed and the race transferred to Leopardstown.