Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and owner of the global Shadwell Stud racing and breeding operation, died Wednesday at age 75, per an announcement from the farm.
He was the second son of U.A.E. prime minister and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the older brother of Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The heavy buying power of Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Mohammed within the Thoroughbred industry, corresponding with the rise of the U.A.E.'s global profile, has had a worldwide ripple effect, establishing their home country as a destination racing venue and their own operations as powerhouses wherever they set up for business.
Sheikh Hamdan was introduced to horse racing as a student in the United Kingdom, and he established his own racing stable in 1981.
From there, the Shadwell blue and white colors have had a presence in many of the world's top racing and breeding jurisdictions.
In the U.S., Shadwell Stable won the Eclipse Award as outstanding owner in 2007. That season was led by Hall of Famer Invasor, who won the Dubai World Cup and Grade 1 Donn Handicap that season.
However, the Shadwell operation's U.S. interests will probably be best remembered for its 2006 campaign, when Invasor secured Horse of the Year honors with victories in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Whitney Handicap, and Pimlico Special. That season also saw Sheikh Hamdan win his only U.S. classic when Jazil executed his signature closing move to win the Belmont Stakes.
In addition to Invasor's Breeders' Cup Classic, Shadwell was represented well in the Breeders' Cup by Dirt Mile winner Tamarkuz and Filly and Mare Turf winner Lahudood.
Shadwell's stallion operation in Kentucky currently stands three former runners under Sheikh Hamdan's colors: Tamarkuz, and Grade 2 winners Mohaymen and Qurbaan. The operation also stands a handful of runners in regional markets. Past resident stallions of note include Invasor (who currently stands in Uruguay), Jazil, Dayjur, Sahm, and Swain.
Sheikh Hamdan's presence was also felt in a big way at North American auctions. From 2000 to 2020, Shadwell purchased 32 horses at $1 million or more at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The most expensive of that group was Moon's Whisper, a Storm Cat filly who sold for $4.4 million at the 2000 September sale. She never raced, but went on to become a black type producer for the Shadwell broodmare band.
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