Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, reached an important personal milestone on Friday, when Etijaah became his 700th UAE winner at Al Ain Racecourse.
Sharing the honour was Shaikh Hamdan’s retained rider Dane O’Neill and UAE-based American handler Doug Watson, who have contributed to many of his successes.
Shaikh Hamdan first established a racing stable in the UK in 1981 and has gone on to become one of the most powerful and influential owners and breeders in flat racing.
“It’s always a great honour to ride a winner for Shaikh Hamdan, but to have contributed to this major milestone is very special,” O’Neill said after comfortably winning the Zakhir Handicap.
Shaikh Hamdan scored his first major UAE wins in 1999, when Almutawakel won the Dubai World Cup (G1) and Altibr the Dubai Turf (Group 1, former Dubai Duty Free). Invasor also captured the Dubai World Cup in 2007.
Among his many international successes were the triple victories of the great Nashwan in the 2000 Guineas (G1), Epsom Derby (G1) and King George (G1) in 1989.
Last season, Shaikh Hamdan enjoyed a vintage year in the UK as Taghrooda won the Epsom Oaks (G1) and King George (G1) and Mukhadram landed the Eclipse Stakes (G1).
Shaikh Hamdan was also crowned champion owner in both the UK and UAE last season, and was also handed the prestigious Cartier Award of Merit in London.
Last week the achievements of Sheikh Hamdan were recognised at the annual Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA) racing and breeding awards, when he was inducted into its Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, Meydan racecourse will host a domestic meeting featuring six races on Saturday.
