How Sheikh Mohammed transformed global horse racing with Dubai World Cup
In the world of horse racing, few figures have left a mark as profound as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
A lifelong horseman, Sheikh Mohammed's passion for racing has shaped the sport for over five decades, not just through countless victories but by redefining what's possible.
His love for horse racing began on the golden beaches of Dubai, where, as a young boy, he raced bareback along the shores of Jumeirah, captivated by the power and spirit of the horse. However, it was while studying at Cambridge that he attended his first race in 1967, where he witnessed Royal Palace winning the 2,000 Guineas, one of the five British Classics, at Newmarket. It was a defining moment — one that set him on a path not just to win the best races in the world but to transform the industry itself.
Over the next five decades, Sheikh Mohammed's vision has redefined modern racing. From the grand stages of Epsom, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, Longchamp, and Flemington to the creation of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan, his influence spans continents. Through pioneering investments in breeding, ownership, and competition, he has left an indelible mark on the sport, ensuring its evolution for generations to come.
A royal bond
Horse racing has long been known as 'the sport of kings', but for Sheikh Mohammed, it was also the sport of queens. His deep friendship with the late Queen Elizabeth II was built on their mutual love for thoroughbreds.
One of their most memorable moments came when Sheikh Mohammed gifted her a yearling, whom she named Compton House, a horse that came agonisingly close to winning the Epsom Derby — one of the few major races that eluded the Queen during her reign.
Their shared passion for breeding and racing transcended political borders and traditions. At Royal Ascot, Sheikh Mohammed was a familiar presence, even once riding in the Queen's carriage during the Royal Procession as a special guest — an honour rarely extended beyond the British Royal Family.
Reshaping British racing
Sheikh Mohammed's impact on British racing goes far beyond owning winners. His investments have transformed the sport at every level — sponsoring major races, creating jobs, upgrading facilities, and elevating competition.
His breeding and racing operations, particularly Godolphin and Darley, have provided livelihoods for thousands across Britain, Ireland, Australia, and beyond. His acquisitions of historic studs like Dalham Hall in Newmarket and Kildangan Stud in Ireland cemented his position as a key figure in global racing.
'When Sheikh Mohammed created Godolphin in 1992, it changed everything,' said Hugh Anderson, managing director of Godolphin in the UK and UAE. 'This wasn't just another racing stable — it was an entirely new approach to ownership and training.'
If modern horse racing has a single transformative figure, it is Sheikh Mohammed. His first taste of ownership success came in 1977 when Hatta, a filly running in his colours, won at Brighton. It was the beginning of an empire. Within a few short years, his influence extended beyond the racecourse to breeding and training.
In 1981, he acquired Dalham Hall Stud, laying the foundation for Darley, one of the world's premier breeding operations. He further cemented his commitment to the sport with the purchase of Kildangan Stud in Ireland in 1986.
A race against the odds
The launch of the Dubai World Cup in 1996 was a bold move, but the following year tested Sheikh Mohammed's resilience like never before.
The 1997 Dubai World Cup was meant to be a showcase of Dubai's dominance on the global racing stage. But on the night of the race, torrential rain flooded the track at Nad Al Sheba, threatening to cancel the event.
As officials debated their options, Sheikh Mohammed walked onto the waterlogged racetrack. In an iconic and symbolic moment, captured by television cameras worldwide, he ran his hand across his throat — a silent acknowledgement that the race had been rained off. For many, that would have been the end of it. But for Sheikh Mohammed, impossible was never an option.
Determined to see his vision through, he mobilised his team, including key figures such as the legendary Dr. Michael Osborne, highly-regarded writer Brough Scott, John Lees, who played a key role in the logistics and planning of major races, Nancy Petch, a well-known race organiser and event manager, and Lord John Fitzgerald, an important figure in the establishment and growth of the race.
Instead of sending international connections and guests home, Sheikh Mohammed invited them to stay in Dubai as his guests. Meanwhile, UAE Air Force helicopters were deployed to dry the track — a monumental effort that ensured the race could still take place.
Just seven days later, against all odds, the Dubai World Cup was run. And in a moment of poetic justice, it was Sheikh Mohammed's horse, Singspiel, who stormed to victory, defeating top American contenders. It was a defining moment — not just for the race but for the UAE itself.
That night, Sheikh Mohammed didn't just prove that Dubai could host the world's richest race — he demonstrated the resilience, ambition, and sheer force of will that would define UAE horse racing and the country's place in the sport.
Beyond the World Cup
Sheikh Mohammed's vision extended far beyond a single race. In 1992, he established Godolphin with his brothers, setting new standards in training, breeding, and international competition. Since then, Godolphin has won more than 260 Group One races across 14 countries.
'Sheikh Mohammed and his brothers were already successful owners in the 1980s,' Anderson said. 'But with Godolphin, the sport itself had to adapt and innovate just to keep up.'
His influence hasn't just shaped racing — it has played a role in shaping Dubai itself. Revenues from Godolphin and related businesses have contributed to the city's transformation. He once credited the success of his stables with financing much of the development along Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai's economic artery.
One of his most trusted aides in establishing horse racing in Dubai was Colonel Ali Khamis Al Jafleh, a UAE Air Force pilot who became the first chairman of the Dubai Racing Club. Under his guidance, the foundation for Dubai's racing success was laid.
When Sheikh Mohammed created Godolphin in 1992, it changed everything. This wasn't just another racing stable — it was an entirely new approach to ownership and training"
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director Of Godolphin In The Uk And Uae
A legacy above trophies
While many great patrons have helped define the world of horse racing — Sir Robert Sangster, Khalid Abdullah, and the Aga Khan, among others — few have left a legacy as profound and far-reaching as Sheikh Mohammed's.
His success isn't just measured in trophies or prize money; it's in the thousands of people whose livelihoods have been impacted, the economies transformed, and the unwavering belief that no dream is too big.
From the sands of Dubai to the grandstands of Royal Ascot, Sheikh Mohammed's journey in racing is far from over. His passion for the sport remains unwavering, and as long as the thrill of thoroughbred racing continues to inspire him, his influence will endure.
Today, as Meydan hosts the 29th Dubai World Cup, the race Sheikh Mohammed founded nearly three decades ago remains a testament to his vision — one that has firmly established Dubai as a global force in horse racing.
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