HAMDAN’S SHADWELL TO DOWNSIZE
THE colours of the late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum will be a less common sight on British racecourses with a “substantial number” of his horses bound for the sales.
Since Mushref gave Sheikh Hamdan his first winner in 1980, his silks – royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap – have been associated with some of the sport’s great names, including 1989 Derby hero Nashwan and 1990 champion sprinter Dayjur.
But speculation has been rife his Shadwell Estate Company Ltd – whose latest Group 1 in Europe came via the William Haggastrained Baaeed in the Prix du Moulin at Parislongchamp 12 days ago – would undergo a downsizing after the sheikh’s death last March.
And yesterday “important changes” were announced, including the sale this autumn of horses in training and home-bred yearlings, with a dispersal of Sheikh Hamdan’s band of broodmares to follow.
While Shadwell stressed its commitment to “focus on quality and competition at the highest level”, UK director Chris Kennard said: “As part of a long-term plan for Shadwell to operate on a sustainable footing, a recent decision has been made to contract the size of the global business. This will involve the imminent sale of a substantial number of horses, including yearlings, horses in training and breeding stock and, in due course, a reorganisation of each of the worldwide operations.”
WILLIAM BUICK was cut to 2-1 (from 7-2) with Paddy Power for the 2021 jockeys’ title after a treble at Yarmouth yesterday.
The Dublin firm eased reigning champion Oisín Murphy to 1-3.