Sheikh Mansour offers condolences on death of racing giant Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum, a prominent figure in the world of horse racing, passed away on Monday, leaving behind a significant legacy in both the sport and breeding world.

A cousin of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, he was a cherished owner and breeder whose influence extended far beyond the racetrack.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, on Wednesday offered his condolences on the death of the late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum, during his attendance at the Majlis Aza in Dubai.

Sheikh Mansour expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased, praying to Allah Almighty to grant him mercy and forgiveness, admit him to Paradise and grant his family and loved ones patience and solace.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum joined scorers of people in performing the funeral prayer for the late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum on Tuesday.

The prayer, which was held at the Grand Zabeel Mosque in Dubai, was also attended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum made his mark on British racing in the 1990s with his famous yellow silks adorned with black spots. His most notable victory came in the 1998 Derby, when his horse High-Rise, trained by Luca Cumani, triumphed in the prestigious race. Since then, his stable produced numerous top-class horses, including Postponed, winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Juddmonte International, and more recently, horses like Rosallion, Inisherin, and Royal Champion. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum’s bloodstock operation, particularly through the influential mare Zomaradah, left a lasting mark on the global breeding scene. Zomaradah not only produced the champion sire Dubawi, one of the most successful stallions in the world, but also helped shape the careers of other successful racehorses, further cementing the family’s legacy in thoroughbred racing.

The news of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the global racing community.

Zomaradah, the dam of the breed-shaping stallion Dubawi, along with Reem Three, are two particularly outstanding broodmares owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum.

Both mares stand as highly influential matriarchs in the modern thoroughbred and are destined to leave a lasting legacy on the breed.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum’s influence also extended to some of the sport’s biggest names, with trainers like Luca Cumani and Roger Varian acknowledging his significant role in the careers of horses like Postponed and Ajman Princess.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Al Maktoum went on to achieve remarkable success across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, with one of his crowning achievements being his victory in the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 2023.

His horse, Without A Fight, claimed the iconic title in a thrilling race, solidifying Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid’s place as a dominant force in the world of horse racing.

Shadwell, the operation founded by another of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s cousins, the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, released a statement on Tuesday.

“Shadwell is deeply saddened by the passing of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, a hugely successful and influential owner and breeder. He will be long remembered throughout international horse racing for his extraordinary contributions to the sport.

“Everyone connected with the Shadwell operation extends their sincere condolences to all of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with them during this profoundly sad time.”