After the news of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s passing on 24 March 2021, the horse racing world is left saddened by the loss of one of its top figureheads. Owning 8 stud farms worldwide with over 200 mares and top stallions, Sheikh Hamdan found his heart belonged to British thoroughbred flat racing when he acquired his first UK-based stable in 1981.
Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Racing outfit has produced many fantastic horses and countless moments in horse racing. We take a look at just 4 of the finest to race in the blue and white silks.
Nashwan
Nashwan was a standout thoroughbred who won an impressive 6 major races across 1988-89. After winning the Autumn Stakes at Ascot as a 2-year-old, he was moved up to compete in and win the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Eclipse Stakes, and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
By winning these 4 huge races in a single season, he gained an achievement that no other horse has ever managed. After his only defeat in September’s Prix Niel, he was retired to stud, siring several successful horses.
This year, the Guineas Festival will be held on 1-2 May, the Epsom Derby Festival on 4-5 June, Sandown’s Eclipse Stakes on 13 September, and Ascot’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on 24 July: racegoers will be hoping to see the next Nashwan.
Dayjur
In 1990 – after the prominence of Nashwan – Dayjur dominated the European sprinting season by winning the Temple Stakes, King’s Stand Stakes, Nunthorpe Stakes, Ladbroke Sprint Cup, and Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp.
Dayjur was described by Racing Post as “the world’s fastest horse” and was named both the British Horse of the Year and the European Champion Sprinter in 1990.
In 2021, the Nunthorpe Stakes will take place on 24 August, day 3 of York’s Ebor Festival.
Taghrooda
Taghrooda may not have racked up as many wins as some of Sheikh Hamdan’s other horses, but in only 6 starts across her career, she created fantastic moments of racing brilliance. As a daughter of Sea the Stars – regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time – and trained by the skilled John Gosden, Taghrooda’s wins in the Oaks and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2014 should have come as no surprise. However, the skill and speed in which she triumphed was something to behold.
This year’s Epsom Oaks (4 June) promises more exciting performances from fillies who will go down in history.
Battaash
Last, but not least, is the unforgettable Battash. In his younger years, Battaash was known to kick off when he chose to and not necessarily bring his A-game when it was needed. Once described as “a right b*****d” by his groom, Bob Grace, the troublemaker-turned-top sprinter has cemented his place in people’s hearts.
After the hard work of Grace, their relationship has led to a much calmer horse with growing success. Perhaps as expected, Battaash enjoyed the silenced expectation from the absent racegoers due to COVID-19 last year; winning a third King’s Stand Stakes at Ascot, a record-breaking fourth consecutive victory in Goodwood’s King George Stakes, and a fine win at York’s Nunthorpe Stakes.
We hope to see the Champion Sprinter of 2020 in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on 15 June.