FLAT racing has suffered an enormous blow following the death of leading owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.
The Derby-winning owner, whose familiar yellow and black silks have been carried to big-race success by Rosallion and Melbourne Cup hero Without A Fight in recent years, died on Monday.
The cousin of the ruler of Dubai, and Godolphin founder, Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Obaid has owned racehorses since 1992.
He won the Derby in 1998 with the Luca Cumani-trained High-Rise, while other stars like Postponed and Defoe also gave him high-profile wins.
Andrea Atzeni was retained jockey to Obaid for several years, and he was among those to pay tribute.
He said: “Devastated to hear the passing of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. I owe a lot to him, not only was he my boss but also a great friend and family man.
“He leaves behind a great legacy and the love he had for his horses and the sport. My sincere condolences go out to his family.”
George Boughey was one of the more recent additions to Sheikh Obaid’s training roster, and they enjoyed Group 2 success with Bow Echo in September.
Boughey posted on social media: “It has been a privilege to train for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. An outstanding breeder and a real family man who leaves a great legacy.
“He gave me the chance to train some fantastic horses, notably Royal Lodge winner Bow Echo. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”
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While Obaid was a major investor in British racing, he also gained a reputation for moving his horses around between trainers when he wasn’t happy with results, infamously moving Postponed to Roger Varian from Cumani shortly after the horse had won the King George.
Two trainers who had enjoyed his backing in recent seasons were Karl Burke and Kevin Ryan, and Burke said he was ‘shocked’ to hear of Obaid’s death having spoken to him not long before his death.
He said: “It’s a shock. I was only talking to him earlier today (Monday) and we discussed all the horses he was looking forward to for next season.
“I was due to meet him next week and it’s such sad news because he loved his horses and I know he was really looking forward to next year.
“I owe him a lot. He gave me a lot of responsibility to train all those good horses for him and he was a very good man.”
