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In the realm of horse racing history, the Dubai royals stand as towering figures, their legacy intertwined with the sport’s global evolution. Whether it is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visionary initiatives which have transformed Dubai into a powerhouse of the equestrian world, or the illustrious achievements of his family members, who have etched their names in the annals of horse racing traditions, their influence spans continents, shaping the sport’s global landscape.
The establishment of events such as Dubai World Cup, attracting top talent from every corner of the world, is testament to their unwavering commitment to the sport. Moreover, their investment in breeding programs has produced a lineage of champion thoroughbreds renowned for their speed, endurance, and grace on the track.
Beyond the realm of horse racing, the Dubai royals’ affinity for equestrian sports extends to disciplines such as show jumping, endurance riding, and even training horses for film.
In honour of the recent Dubai World Cup 2024, GRAZIA delves into the illustrious history of the Dubai royals’ contributions to horse racing and equestrian sports, exploring a legacy defined by excellence, innovation, and an enduring love for equine pursuits.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s World-Renowned Godolphin Stables
From receiving trophies from Queen Elizabeth II at Britain’s Royal Ascot horse race to being the driving force behind a global stable that has won over 5,000 races worldwide, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has contributed to the equestrian world massively.
He founded Godolphin, a global thoroughbred breeding operation and horseracing team. Today, Team Godolphin spans four continents, with headquarters being in Dubai and the team has horses in training in Australia, Japan, France, Ireland, the UK, and the US.
The world’s largest horseracing team was named in honour of the Godolphin Arabian, a stallion that came from the desert to become one of the three founding fathers of the modern thoroughbred.
Sheikh Mohammed grew up with horses and as a boy, he was captivated by the power, elegance, speed, and grace of the animal. As a young man, he and his friends were known to ride bareback races on the sands of our very own Jumeirah Beach. After he started the stables, the move undoubtedly shaped the world of horseracing globally.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan’s Love For HorseS
Sheikh Mohammed’s son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai has also carved a distinguished path in the world of horse racing.
As a member of Dubai’s ruling family, his passion for the sport runs deep, inherited from generations of equestrian enthusiasts.
He has several accolades under his belt, including his win in the 2020 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup as well as owning multiple horses that came first in the Dubai World Cup. He usually attends the prestigious event and we’re waiting to see if he will be crowning the winner at the 2024 edition.
His Highness has already introduced the horses at Godolphin stables to his twins, Sheikh Rashid and Sheikha Shaikha. In a post on Instagram he wrote: “Training and education should start early on. Rashid and Shaikha came to see Adayar and wish him the best! @Godolphin.”
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Her Highness Sheikha Hissa Carries On her Father’s Legacy
The late His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a prominent name in horse racing circles as he started Shadwell Racing, a world-renowned racing and breeding operation located in Britain, Ireland, and the USA. Their distinctive silks, of cobalt blue with white epaulettes, have been borne to victory by numerous thoroughbreds during the last four decades.
The former deputy ruler of Dubai, the older brother of Sheikh Mohammed, spent 40 years building up his stable under the Shadwell banner. Over his four decades as an owner and breeder, Sheikh Hamdan was champion flat racing owner in Britain on nine occasions, the first in 1990 and the last in 2020.
#Throwback 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫…👇
📺🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/JbazQ8SXHF
— SHADWELL (@Shadwell_EU) March 10, 2024
He left an equine legacy in the shape of world champion Baaeed, a horse whose pedigree traces, on the sire’s side, to Green Desert, the first stallion that stood by Shadwell in the UK, and, on the dam’s side, to Height of Fashion, the foundation mare bought by Sheikh Hamdan in 1982. Admired for his kindness and loyalty as well as for this in-depth knowledge of the thoroughbred, he died in 2021 at the age of 75.
Today, his legacy continues with his daughter, Her Highness Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who became the new head of Shadwell. She is often seen at the race tracks, leading horses such as Baaeed, who has won multiple times in the UK as well as France.
Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum
Not only a karate and taekwondo athlete, and the first woman to represent the UAE in the Olympics, but Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is also a polished polo player.
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Her Highness has headed the UAE team which came in first at the Polo Masters Cup and the Dubai Polo Challenge. From the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 to leading the UAE team to championship at the Dubai Polo Challenge 2021, the equestrian has garnered a range of accolades in the field.
In 2011, Sheikha Maitha launched her very own competitive horse stables, Team Z7. With a herd of over 150 horses, Team Z7 competes in equestrian competitions across the globe.
Following the success of Team Z7, Sheikha Maitha launched Z7 Show Horses, showcasing the talents of stallions for live performances, film, activations, marketing, and more. In 2021, Zeus, owned by Sheikha Maitha, was seen with Tom Cruise filming Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning.
Her Highness Sheikha Madiya Bint Hasher Bin Manaa Al Maktoum
The notable equestrian, who has participated in endurance races across the world, has a special place in her heart for horses. Like many of the royals in the region, Her Highness Sheikha Madiya bint Hasher bin Manaa Al Maktoum was introduced to horses at a young age and she has been endurance riding ever since and professionally took up the activity.
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She was recently seen at the 17th edition of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, an annual tribute to His Highness’ instrumental impact on global equestrianism.
