Racing world loses one of the sport’s greatest patrons

The racing world was plunged into mourning on Monday following the passing of Dubai Royal and Jebel Ali patron Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose enduring contribution to horse racing left a lasting mark on the sport.

The death of the younger brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was met with widespread sadness across the racing community.

Sheikh Ahmed made a significant contribution to the emirate’s sporting landscape, with his passion and influence extending from football to the world of horse racing.

His influence will be remembered not only through the horses and racing he championed, but also through the deep connection he forged with the sport and its people.

Sheikh Ahmed also played a key role in shaping the UAE’s emergence as a global powerhouse in horse racing, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport both locally and internationally.

His vision and passion for racing led to the establishment of Jebel Ali Racecourse and its adjoining stables in 1990, marking an important milestone in the development of the UAE’s racing industry.

The racecourse held its first meetings the following year and went on to become a prominent fixture on the UAE’s racing calendar, contributing significantly to the growth and popularity of the sport in the country.

Sheikh Ahmed’s influence on thoroughbred racing had already reached well beyond the UAE by the time Jebel Ali Racecourse emerged as a major racing venue.

Among the early milestones for his colours was Wassl’s victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 1983. It was, however, Mtoto who would go on to define the first chapter of Sheikh Ahmed’s international racing success.

The Dubai Racing Club, organiser of the Dubai World Cup, paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed’s contribution to the growth and development of horse racing, recognising his enduring influence on the sport in the UAE and beyond.

“Dubai Racing Club mourns the passing of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” the club wrote on X.

“A distinguished figure in the UAE, his remarkable legacy spans decades of contribution to the nation, with an enduring impact on sport, equestrianism and horse racing.”

Among the early milestones for his famous yellow and black silks was Wassl’s victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 1983.

Further landmark victories followed over the years. Ameerat claimed the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in 2001, while Sheikh Ahmed’s horses went on to triumph in a series of major international contests, including the Italian Derby, Irish Oaks, Dewhurst Stakes and Dubai Golden Shaheen.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, condoled the passing of the late Sheikh Ahmed, expressing his profound sorrow at the loss of one of the UAE’s most prominent figures in equestrian sport and horse racing.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi said: “With the passing of Sheikh Ahmed, may Allah have mercy upon him, the UAE has lost a distinguished figure who held a significant place in the history of equestrian sport and horse racing. His name was closely associated with this sport for decades, and through his presence, support, and deep passion for horses, he made a lasting contribution to strengthening the UAE’s standing on both the local and international stage.

“We knew him as a true horseman, with a profound love for horses and equestrian sport, and as a dedicated advocate for its development and advancement. His achievements and contributions will remain a lasting testament to the remarkable sporting legacy he leaves behind for future generations. The name of Sheikh Ahmed will continue to hold a special place in the hearts and memories of the UAE’s equestrian and horse racing community.,” he added.

His association with Al Wasl club began at its very foundations, as he was among a group of young men who helped establish the organisation in a modest house in Zabeel in 1960.

Sheikh Ahmed was instrumental in the development of Dubai’s marine sporting scene. He helped establish and launch the Dubai International Marine Club, becoming its first president in 1988.

Under his early stewardship, the club laid the groundwork for what became a pioneering marine sports institution in the Middle East and Africa and gained membership of the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor