Dubai mourns a true gentleman and giant of global horse racing

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's legacy spans Epsom Derby and Melbourne Cup triumphs, and decades of breeding elite thoroughbred champions like Dubawi

- Leslie Wilson Jr [e-mail]

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid achieved success all over the world with his champions.

The racing world is still coming to terms with the passing of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum on Monday, as the scale of his influence, spanning continents and generations, continues to be reflected in the heartfelt tributes paid to him.

From the iconic Epsom Derby to the Melbourne Cup, his yellow silks with three black spots were carried to victory in some of the world's most prestigious races. A cousin of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid was widely regarded as a 'gentleman' of racing, known for his passion, integrity, and vision.

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid's achievements on the global stage were monumental. In 1998, High-Rise, a horse whose name was inspired by the city of Dubai's astonishing architectural rise, gave him a historic victory in the Epsom Derby, one of the most coveted prizes in world racing.

Honour at the Royal Box

It was a defining moment that saw Sheikh Mohammed Obaid honoured in the racecourse's royal box, a longstanding tradition where the late Queen Elizabeth, who had a lifelong passion for horse racing, personally congratulated winning owners.