Leading flat racing owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum has died, at the age of 75, leaving the racing world in mourning with the Deputy Ruler of Dubai being involved in the sport for close to 40 years.
His blue-and-white coloured silks, under the uniform of his Shadwell Racing banner, are among the most famous throughout the racing world, having won multiple Classic races and Royal Ascot winners throughout his period in the sport.
It was revealed on Twitter on Wednesday morning of the sad news that the Sheikh had passed away with his brother Sheikh Mohammed saying: We belong to God and to Him we shall return … May God have mercy on you, my brother, my support and my companion.”
🗓 ON THIS DAY last year...
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) August 23, 2020
It was third time lucky for BATTAASH at York as the superstar sprinter won the Nunthorpe Stakes in impressive fashion 🐎
🎬 @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/JcFElFZ5D0
Among some of the best horses that have been seen in the famous blue ad white, Battaash has been the poster boy over the last few years, finally fulfilling his potential when landing Group Ones like the King's Stands Stakes, Nunthorpe Stakes and four renewals King George Qatar Stakes.
Others to have carried his silks included Oaks and King George heroine Taghrooda, Derby victor in Erhaab and even a winner of the Melbourne Cup in the shape of At Talaq, 1989 Derby and 2000 Guineas winner Nashwan, the brilliant 1990 dual Classic-winning filly Salsabil and fine sprinter Dayjur.
The racing world have took to Twitter to offer their condolences and Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation were among one of the first offer some kind words.
A Tweet on the official account read: “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum. A great loss to Dubai and our sport. He was one of the greatest owner breeders of modern times. Our deepest condolences to His Family and all @ShadwellStud.”