Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies Aged 76, Leaving Lasting Horse Racing Legacy

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a prominent figure in international horse racing and the founder of Dubai's Jebel Ali Racecourse, has died at the age of 76.

The younger brother of Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday, 21 September 2026. Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast across the emirate.

Sheikh Ahmed was a longstanding supporter of thoroughbred racing, establishing a successful ownership and breeding operation whose distinctive yellow and black silks were carried to victory in some of the sport's most prestigious races.

His horses included Mtoto, Addeybb and several Classic winners, while his contribution to the development of racing in the United Arab Emirates extended to the establishment of Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990.

Mtoto And Addeybb Headline Decades Of Racing Success

Sheikh Ahmed's involvement in British racing began to produce major results in the early 1980s, with Wassl providing his first winner in the 1983 Greenham Stakes.

Trained by John Dunlop and ridden by Willie Carson, Wassl subsequently won the Irish 2,000 Guineas, securing Sheikh Ahmed's first Classic success.

His most celebrated racehorse was arguably Mtoto, who developed into one of Europe's outstanding middle-distance performers under trainer Alec Stewart.

Mtoto defeated Derby winner Reference Point in the 1987 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown before returning to win the race for a second consecutive year in 1988.

He also completed back-to-back victories in the Prince of Wales's Stakes and claimed the 1988 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

His final campaign concluded with a narrow defeat to Tony Bin in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, after encountering traffic difficulties during the race.

Mtoto subsequently enjoyed a successful stallion career, producing Derby winner Shaamit and Ascot Gold Cup winner Celeric. Another of his sons, Presenting, became an influential National Hunt sire.

Sheikh Ahmed's other Classic winners included Possessive Dancer in the Irish Oaks and Ameerat and Elmalka in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

More recently, Addeybb brought international recognition to the ownership operation through his achievements for trainer William Haggas.

The gelding won the 2020 Champion Stakes at Ascot and three Group 1 races in Australia, including two editions of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Jebel Ali Racecourse Establishes Enduring UAE Legacy

Beyond his achievements as an owner and breeder, Sheikh Ahmed played an important role in developing the UAE's racing infrastructure.

In 1990, he established Jebel Ali Racecourse, located approximately 35 kilometres outside central Dubai.

The venue became an established part of the country's racing programme and is home to the Jebel Ali Stables operation.

Sheikh Ahmed raced his horses under the ARM banner and maintained an international approach to ownership, campaigning runners across Britain, Ireland, continental Europe, the UAE and Australia.

His commitment to the sport continued throughout 2026, with Ed Crisford announced as private trainer at Jebel Ali Stables in April following Michael Costa's departure for Australia.

The appointment formed part of an active racing operation that enjoyed considerable success during the current season.

Almaqam And Saddadd Deliver Major Victories In 2026

Sheikh Ahmed's final racing season featured several notable performances, including two Group 1 victories in Europe.

Almaqam, trained by Ed Walker, won the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May before finishing a narrow second in the Juddmonte International at York.

Roger Varian-trained Saddadd subsequently captured the Grosser Preis von Baden in Germany on 6 September, having previously won the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes.

The two horses are closely related through their dam, Talmada, who also raced in Sheikh Ahmed's colours.

Quddwah provided further success, winning the Group 2 Zabeel Mile and Singspiel Stakes at Meydan before finishing runner-up to Ombudsman in the Dubai Turf.

The six-year-old returned to Europe to win the Group 2 Solonaway Stakes at the Irish Champions Festival, becoming Sheikh Ahmed's final Group-race winner.

Other recent performers included Sallaal, Waardah and Meydaan, the latter finishing third in the Dubai World Cup.

Following the announcement of Sheikh Ahmed's death, his horses were not expected to race during Dubai's 10-day mourning period. Wadooda, who had been scheduled to run at Leicester on Monday, was withdrawn as a mark of respect.

British Racing Pays Tribute To Influential Owner

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed's longstanding contribution to the sport.

“We are saddened to learn about the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” the governing body said.

“His famous yellow and black silks have been commonplace on British racecourses for decades and have been carried to victory in some of our most historic races, including the Coral-Eclipse, 1,000 Guineas and Champion Stakes.”

The BHA described Sheikh Ahmed as a significant supporter of British racing and extended its condolences to his family.

Simon Crisford, who trains alongside his son Ed and has worked closely with Sheikh Ahmed's racing operation, also reflected on the owner's enthusiasm for the sport.

“He really enjoyed campaigning his horses around the world. Nothing gave him greater pleasure. He was incredibly patient, and he always put the horse first,” Crisford said.

Federico Barberini, who purchased horses on Sheikh Ahmed's behalf over several years, highlighted his continued involvement in the bloodstock market.

“In the last couple of years, his commitment and his involvement in racing has got even stronger. He was very active at the sales and very enthusiastic,” Barberini said.

Dubai Racing Club also issued a tribute, recognising Sheikh Ahmed's contributions to equestrianism and horse racing alongside his wider service to the UAE.

Born on 12 July 1950, Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest son of Dubai's former ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and held senior military and security positions, including Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.

He was also Group Chairman of ARM Holding and a longstanding president of Al Wasl Sports Club.

His death brings to an end more than four decades of involvement in international thoroughbred racing, during which his ownership operation secured Classic victories, developed influential breeding stock and helped establish Jebel Ali as a significant venue within the UAE racing industry.