2017 Eclipse Awards: Godolphin Racing LLC

Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum has a presence in nearly every corner of the global Thoroughbred industry, and his Godolphin Racing operation again was among North America’s best in 2017.

The ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed tallied 54 North American wins in 2017, and Godolphin’s combined earnings of $7,090,867 ranked him second in the North American owner standings.

Godolphin tied with Juddmonte Farms for the most overall graded stakes wins of 2017 (nine) and tied for second for Grade 1 wins (three).

Sheikh Mohammed had two winners at this year’s Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, taking the Longines Turf with Talismanic and the Filly and Mare Turf with Wuheida. Other high-level runners for the Godolphin operation in 2017 included Grade 1 winner Dickinson, Grade 2 winners Enticed and Avery Island, and Grade 3 winners Watershed and Indulgent.

Sheikh Mohammed’s operation previously won the Eclipse Award as outstanding owner in 2006, 2009, and 2012. This year marks its fifth time as a finalist since 2000.

Under his own name or doing business as Godolphin or Darley, Sheikh Mohammed has also won a Special Eclipse Award in 2001, the outstanding breeder trophy in 2012, and a host of awards for his runners, including Bernardini (3-year-old male, 2006, under the Darley banner), and Midshipman (2-year-old male, 2008). Both horses stand at Darley’s Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Ky.