Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum, daughter of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will take on a leadership role with Shadwell and continue her father's legacy with the global Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation, according to a June 29 report by Racing Post.
Shadwell's longtime racing manager Angus Gold conveyed the news to Racing Post one day after it was released that Shadwell Stud director Richard Lancaster, who has worked for the operation for 35 years, was stepping down.
Sheikh Hamdan died March 24 at age 75. The older brother of Sheikh Mohammed, he served as deputy ruler of Dubai and UAE minister of finance and industry prior to his death. He also built a global empire of both Thoroughbreds and Arabians, breeding and racing thousands of horses in his blue and white silks.
"Sheikh Hamdan used to involve Sheikha Hissa quite a bit," Gold told Racing Post. "She knows horses, loves horses, and has horses of her own in Dubai. She enjoys the racing and has very much taken over his mantle since he died. Sheikh Hamdan had six children, of whom Sheikha Hissa is going to be the spokesperson on the horse front."
Scargill/Milnes: Influential Owner, Breeder Hamdan al Maktoum Dies at 75
Shadwell's enterprises encompass Shadwell Estate Company Limited in Britain; Shadwell Farm in the United States, and Derrinstown Stud in Ireland.
"We've been communicating with Sheikha Hissa over the past couple of months since Sheikh Hamdan sadly died, and I'm currently on my way back from a trip out to Dubai to meet her to discuss things in person," Gold said. "She confirmed to me that she and her family are very keen to honor Sheikh Hamdan's legacy and keep the whole thing going, which is fantastic. It's wonderful for his memory that she has the passion and her brothers are going to support her taking it forward, and we'll do our best to do the same."
Shadwell announced in early 2021 plans to wind down interests in the southern hemisphere, including Thoroughbred holdings of Shadwell Stud Australasia and star horses in Australia and South Africa.
In the U.S., Shadwell's top current performer is Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Malathaat, a daughter of Curlin purchased for $1,050,000 from Denali Stud's consignment to the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The Todd Pletcher trainee could next be seen in the July 24 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.
