Shadwell owner Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum dead at 75

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum, owner of some of the top Thoroughbreds in recent memory through his Shadwell Stables, died Wednesday at age 75. Sheikh Hamdan was a force in the sport for decades, campaigning the great Nashwan and well-traveled champions such as Dayjur and Invasor.

“It is a time to reflect on his achievements and his enormous contribution to the global Thoroughbred and Arabian industries,” Shadwell said in a release announcing his death. “His legacy will live on through his horses. Everyone at Shadwell is so proud to have worked for such a loyal, generous, humble, and wise man.”

No plans for the future of Sheikh Hamdan’s global operation, which races around the world and stands stallions in three countries, were immediately announced. Shadwell has plenty of young stock in the pipeline, including the promising 3-year-old filly Malathaat. In addition to its homebreds, the operation was active in the global yearling market last season, purchasing nine horses for a combined $5.42 million at Keeneland September alone.

Sheikh Hamdan entered Thoroughbred ownership in 1980, and won multiple classics across Europe, including a pair with one of his best runners, Nashwan. The colt won six of seven career starts, with four Group 1 victories including the English 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby. Sheikh Hamdan also campaigned 1990 English Horse of the Year Dayjur, and, more recently, last year’s Cartier Award European champion sprinter Battaash. He was champion flat owner in Britain nine times, including in 2019 and 2020.

In the United States, Shadwell is known for campaigning Invasor, the Uruguayan Triple Crown winner who captured the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Classic to secure Horse of the Year honors. Invasor went on to win the 2007 Dubai World Cup. Later that season, Lahudood captured the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf and earned an Eclipse Award divisional title, helping Shadwell secure the outstanding owner award. The operation’s other standouts on this side of the Atlantic have included 2006 Belmont Stakes winner Jazil and 2016 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Tamarkuz.

In addition to Invasor’s 2007 triumph, Shadwell landed another edition of the Dubai World Cup in 1999 with Almutawakel, and its other major international victories include two editions of the Melbourne Cup.

Sheikh Hamdan purchased Shadwell Estate in Norfolk, England, in 1984, and the farm currently stands stallions Eqtidaar, Mohaather, Muhaarar, and Tasleet. Shadwell also holds a sister operation at Derrinstown Stud in Ireland, standing Awtaad, Haatef, King Of Change, Markas, and Tamayuz. Shadwell Farm in Lexington, Ky., stands the young stallions Mohaymen, Qurbaan, and Tamarkuz. Tamarkuz had his first runners last year, led by Grade 3-placed Reg Flag. Mohaymen will have his first runners this year, while Qurbaan’s first foals are arriving now.

Sheikh Hamdan was the older brother of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai and the founder of Godolphin, another of the world’s major breeding and racing operations.

“Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum,” Godolphin said in a statement Wednesday morning. “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 at Shadwell Stud.”

Sheikh Hamdan served as deputy ruler of Dubai and United Arab Emirates minister of finance and industry prior to his death. The UAE has declared a three-day mourning period, with all government departments and institutions closed from Thursday, March 25, until Saturday, March 27. The Dubai World Cup is set to be contested on Saturday evening at Meydan.