H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The death has been announced of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.
In addition to his wider responsibilities, Sheikh Maktoum founded Godolphin with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and was also one of the world's most successful owner-breeders.
Paying tribute today, Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford said: "Sheikh Maktoum's death is a huge loss to Dubai but also to the world of horseracing. He was at the very centre of everything Godolphin has achieved.
"It was Sheikh Maktoum who decided that horses should be trained in Dubai to run in the top international races. Along with Sheikh Mohammed, he set up Godolphin. He was the one who chose the blue silks our horses carry, and he was involved in all key decisions affecting the stable.
"Sheikh Maktoum owned a number of our champions including Balanchine, Cape Verdi, Fantastic Light and Shamardal as well as a host of other horses, and he was always hugely supportive. He was also a very successful owner in his own right under the Gainsborough banner.
"Our thoughts are with the Maktoum family at this very sad time."
Godolphin's first Group 1 winner, Balanchine, carried Sheikh Maktoum's colours when she made racing history by winning both the Epsom Oaks and the Irish Derby in 1994, the stable's first full season.
Shaab, in 1977, was the first horse Sheikh Maktoum owned in Europe and his famous blue and white chevron colours made their racecourse debut two years later. His best horses outside Godolphin included Cadeaux Genereux, Green Desert, Touching Wood, Shadeed, Hatoof, Royal Applause, and Storming Home.
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