Atzeni pays tribute to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid

Further tributes have been paid to influential owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum following his death on Monday.

A prominent figure in the bloodstock world and the breeder of Zomaradah, dam of the champion sire Dubawi, he was a cousin of Sheikh Mohammed.

The likes of Inisherin, Rosallion and Triple Time all raced in his colours currently stand at Darley stud.

Andrea Atzeni was hired by Obaid as his retained rider for several years with a great degree of success.

He rode Group One winners Postponed, Defoe and Ajman Princess and enjoyed countless other big days.

He posted on X: “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 Sheikh Obaid’s newest trainers on the roster but immediately appeared to have unearthed a top-class colt in Bow Echo, the Royal Lodge winner and among the favourites for next year’s Classics.

Boughey posted: “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.”

Liam O’ Rourke, director of studs, stallions and breeding for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation, said in a statement: “The passing of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid is a tremendous loss to racing and breeding.

“He has been an outstanding owner and breeder for over three decades and his contribution to the sport has been enormous.

“We send our condolences to his family, and he will be greatly missed by everyone at Godolphin.”

Shadwell, the owning and breeding operation founded by Sheikh Mohammed’s brother, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, said in a statement:
“Shadwell is deeply saddened by the passing of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, a hugely successful and influential owner and breeder. He will be long remembered throughout international horse racing for his extraordinary contributions to the sport.

“A passionate supporter of racing, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid achieved significant and regular success at the very highest level. Famous Group One winners to have carried his iconic yellow and black silks include High-Rise, Postponed, Rosallion, Inisherin, Triple Time, Without A Fight, Fonteyn, Defoe, and Zomaradah, among others.

“Zomaradah, the dam of the breed-shaping stallion Dubawi, along with Reem Three, are two particularly outstanding broodmares owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. Both mares stand as highly influential matriarchs in the modern thoroughbred and are destined to leave a lasting legacy on the breed.

“Everyone connected with the Shadwell operation extends their sincere condolences to all of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with them during this profoundly sad time.”

Sheikh Obaid also enjoyed many notable victories at Ascot, at the Royal meeting and in its biggest Flat race, the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Postponed.

A statement read: “Everybody at Ascot is deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.

“His impact on British racing has been hugely significant over a number of years, and he enjoyed top-level success at Ascot with the likes of Rosallion, Triple Time, Inisherin, and Postponed. All our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time.”