The British horse racing community is in mourning following the sudden death of leading owner and breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. The prominent figure, whose distinctive yellow silks with black spots were a familiar sight on racecourses for over three decades, passed away on Monday, sending shockwaves through the sport.
A Legacy Forged in Classic Success
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid became a major force in British racing from the early 1990s onwards. His most famous triumph came in 1998, when his colt High-Rise, trained by Luca Cumani, stormed to victory in the Epsom Derby. This Classic win cemented his status at the pinnacle of the sport.
His success was far from a one-off. Over the years, his colours were carried by a string of top-class performers. These included the brilliant Postponed, winner of both the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Juddmonte International. More recently, his roster featured stars like Rosallion, Inisherin, and Royal Champion.
Tributes from a Shocked Racing Fraternity
Trainer Karl Burke, who saddled Royal Champion to win the Bahrain International Trophy just last month, led the heartfelt tributes. Burke trains a powerful team for the owner, including unbeaten Joel Stakes winner Zeus Olympios, Cambridgeshire hero Boiling Point, and Autumn Stakes victor Hankelow.
"It's a shock. I was only talking to him earlier today and we discussed all the horses he was looking forward to for next season," Burke told the Press Association. "I owe him a lot. He gave me a lot of responsibility to train all those good horses for him and he was a very good man."
An Enduring Impact on Bloodstock
Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's influence extended far beyond the racecourse as a highly successful breeder. He owned and bred Without A Fight, the winner of the 2023 Melbourne Cup. Furthermore, his breeding operation has left an indelible mark on the global bloodstock industry through the mare Zomaradah.
Zomaradah, a Classic winner herself, is the dam of Dubawi, one of the most influential stallions in the world. Dubawi, who was champion sire in Britain and Ireland, is a son of the legendary Dubai Millennium. The Sheikh's racing prospects for the coming season remained bright, with his undefeated Bow Echo, trained by George Boughey, considered a leading fancy for next year's 2,000 Guineas.
A cousin of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and a member of Dubai's ruling family, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's passion for the sport and his investment in its future have secured his place as a truly significant figure in the history of British racing.
