The racing world was saddened by the death of highly successful owner Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away aged 76 on Monday morning.
Sheikh Ahmed silks were carried by a host of equine stars, notably Mtoto and more recently, Addeybb and Almaqam.
Dubai has announced 10 days of official mourning following the death, with flags flying at half-mast across the emirate.
Tributes have poured in over the course of the day for the brother of Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed. Hugh Anderson, Godolphin’s Managing Director, released a statement on the Godolphin Website stating: “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sheikh Ahmed.
“He was a simply outstanding owner and breeder whose contribution to our sport will be felt for many years to come. Everyone who knew him was touched by his generosity of spirit and love of Dubai. He shared the same passion for racing as his brothers and will be sadly missed.
“We send our sincerest condolences to all of the Maktoum family.”
BHA sent their condolences via a statement on X: “We are saddened to learn about the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
“His famous yellow and black silks have been commonplace on British racecourses for decades and have been carried to victory in some of our most historic races, including the Coral-Eclipse, 1000 Guineas and Champion Stakes.
“He was a significant and longstanding supporter of British racing and our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time.”
“You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts” – Sheikh Mohammed
Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother in a post released by the Dubai Media Office, via TDN, reading: “May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother. You have settled with a Generous and Great Lord. You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed.
“May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise. And inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace. And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
Sheikh Ahmed’s yellow and black silks were brought to prominence by Mtoto. Mtoto’s historic 1988 season saw him win both the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and the Eclipse for the second year in a row, before beating Shadwell’s Unfuwain, a son of Height Of Fashion and a half-brother to Derby winner Nashwan.
Addeybb also carried his silks, known for his globetrotting exploits for William Haggas. More recently, Almaqam won the Tattersalls Gold Cup prior to a gut wrenching defeat in the Juddmonte International.