Statement from Keeneland on the Passing of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

By Amy Gregory —-

The following is a statement from Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin on the death of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum:

“Sheikh Hamdan was a beloved figure around the world, cherished for his grace, humanity, loyalty, knowledge and sportsmanship. While he achieved great success as a Thoroughbred breeder and owner through his global Shadwell Farm operation, he made innumerable contributions to the sport – many of which were behind the scenes. Keeneland is grateful for his strong support of our sales and racing programs, including Shadwell’s involvement in our philanthropic activities. Sheikh Hamdan’s yearling purchases here include such standouts as Group 1 winner Dayjur and Belmont (G1) winner Jazil, and he also participated significantly in our November Breeding Stock Sale. On the race track at Keeneland, Shadwell won nine stakes led by the 2008 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) with Alwajeeha. Because of Shadwell’s encouragement, Keeneland began the Best Turned Out Awards program to recognize hard-working grooms when Shadwell started to sponsor Keeneland’s one-mile turf race during the 1999 Fall Meet. Keeneland is extremely proud of that race, the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), which became our first million-dollar event in 2014, anchors our Fall Stars Weekend and is a key stop on the road to the Breeders’ Cup.”

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For more than 80 years, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts four sales a year, in January, April, September and November, and presents online auctions through the Keeneland Digital Sales Ring. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2015 and 2020 and is holding the event again on Nov. 4-5, 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains the Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

For more information contact Amy Gregory at 859 361-3490 or Amy Owens at 859 421-2566