Shadwell's Sheikh Hamdan Passes Away

The thoroughbred industry has lost one of its greatest patrons with the passing of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum at age 75. For decades, his ubiquitous blue silks with white striped cap and white epaulettes were carried to glory around the world, not just in the northern hemisphere but also in Australia where he was indelibly linked to the Hayes family but also in South Africa where he established an outstanding relationship with trainer Mike de Kock. The Deputy Ruler of Dubai, a brother of the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was also a prominent breeder, generally preferring to race his own stock, and just last year picked up his fifth title as leading British owner. With his colours carried to victory in 19 European Classics, according to thoroughbreddailynews.com, Shadwell’s patron also owned winners of Breeders’ Cups, Dubai World Cups and Melbourne Cups. A few months ago, an announcement was made that Shadwell would be departing the Australian racing landscape; as a consequence, his Australian breeding portfolio, made up of 59 mares, fillies and weanlings will go under the hammer for dispersal at May and June’s Magic Millions National Sale. The irreplaceable owner leaves a stunning legacy of champions that incorporated stayers, milers, and two of the finest sprinters the world has ever seen in current short-course specialist Battaash (Dark Angel-Anna Law, by Lawman) and Dayjur (Danzig-Gold Beauty, by Mr. Prospector).