Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum passed away, a life forever linked to horse racing
Prominent owner and breeder Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of Sheikh Mohammed, passed away at the age of 76. Founder of Jebel Ali Racecourse and a central figure for decades in the growth of racing in Dubai, his iconic yellow and black silks shone around the world with stars such as Mtoto, Iffraaj, Addeybb, and more recently Almaqam and Saddadd; he was also President of Al Wasl, the club managed by Diego Maradona
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).— Long before Dubai transformed into one of the world's premier racing hubs, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had already made horse racing an essential part of his life. His passing at age 76 marks the farewell of an owner and breeder who spent decades accompanying the extraordinary international expansion of thoroughbred racing in the United Arab Emirates.
Younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed forged his own distinguished path in the sport.
His traditional yellow silks with black epaulets became a recognizable fixture both in Dubai and across Europe's top tracks, carrying horses capable of winning some of the most prestigious races in the world.
Yet perhaps no achievement better reflects his bond with the sport than Jebel Ali Racecourse.
Sheikh Ahmed was the driving force behind its founding in 1990, and over time the venue became a cornerstone of Dubai's racing infrastructure.
His influence, however, extended far beyond the turf. He served as Deputy Head of Dubai Police, Chairman of the private investment firm A.R.M. Holding, and President of Al Wasl Football Club—where Diego Maradona served as manager—blending decades of public and corporate leadership with an enduring passion for horses.
Among the many fine runners to sport his colors, Mtoto (Busted) holds a truly special place. Trained by Alec Stewart, he put together a stellar campaign in Europe during 1988.
He won the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1), the Eclipse Stakes (G1), and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), establishing himself among the premier horses of his generation.
His season came remarkably close to an even grander crowning glory in Paris, finishing second to Tony Bin(Kampala) in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).
Mtoto remained a landmark reference for those silks and marked only the beginning of a long line of top-class horses.
Years later came Iffraaj (Zafonic), a multi-group winner before morphing into an internationally influential sire.
There was also Addeybb (Pivotal), trained by William Haggas, who made trips to Australia his specialty—racking up multiple G1 victories there before handing Sheikh Ahmed one of his most meaningful European successes in the 2020 Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot.
The vitality of that operation remained fully intact right through to the current season. Almaqam (Lope de Vega), conditioned by Ed Walker, delivered another top-level win in Ireland, while Saddadd (Pinatubo), from Roger Varian's yard, did the same in Germany.
Even back home in Dubai he featured prominently when Meydaan (Frankel) finished third in this year's Dubai World Cup (G1).
Sheikh Mohammed Remembers His Brother
The news prompted immediate expressions of grief across the industry. Sheikh Mohammed publicly paid tribute to his brother with a deeply personal message, remembering him through faith and emphasizing that his physical absence will never erase his memory from the hearts and prayers of those who knew him.
Tributes also poured in from Godolphin. Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of the operation, called him "a simply extraordinary owner and breeder," noting that his contribution to racing will continue to be felt for many years to come.
He also remembered his generosity, his love for Dubai, and a passion for racing shared with his brothers.
The Dubai Racing Club, meanwhile, highlighted the breadth of his legacy, spanning sport, equestrianism, and thoroughbred racing, alongside decades of service to his nation.
A Legacy That Will Keep Running
Statistics can list big wins and unforgettable names, but Sheikh Ahmed's impact on racing can hardly be measured by results alone.
He was instrumental to the growth of racing in Dubai long before the emirate assumed its central role on the international calendar.
He founded Jebel Ali, built a breeding and racing operation capable of succeeding across continents, and maintained a recognized presence in the world's top races for decades.
Mtoto defined an era. Iffraaj extended his influence through the stud book. Addeybb carried his colors to Australia and returned to win at Ascot. Almaqam and Saddadd proved just months ago that the story was still being written.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will no longer be there to see the next great horse step out in yellow and black. But every time those colors appear on a track, and every time Jebel Ali opens its doors for another meeting, a part of his story will endure. Because some legacies do not end with a lifetime—they simply keep galloping on.
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