The racing world is in shock following the sudden death in Australia of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Sheikh was staying at the Gold Coast, reportedly in preparation for the Magic Millions yearling sales next week.

Sheikh Maktoum’s presence throughout the world of racing was seen through his partnership in Godolphin with brothers Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Ahmed, and as the owner of Gainsborough Stud, whose stallions include Fantastic Light, Cadeux Genereux, Royal Applause, Green Desert, Zilzal, Elusive Quality, Rahy, and Quiet American.

While there are some horses that continue to carry his colours in Europe, among them the recent Group 1 winner Court Masterpiece, many of his horses raced under the Godolphin banner.

Prior to the establishment of Godolphin his horses were regularly seen throughout the world, more so in Europe where his race wins included a 2000 Guineas (Shadeed), 1000 Guineas (Ma Biche, Hatoof), Oaks (Snow Bride), Eclipse (Ezzoud), July Cup (Cadeaux Genereux), Juddmonte Lockinge (Ezzoud), Champion Stakes (Storming Home, Hatoof), Dubai Sheema Classic (Fantastic Light), Irish Derby (Balanchine), Irish Oaks (Lailani), French 1000 Guineas (Always Loyal, Musical Chimes), French 2000 Guineas (Vettori).

His colours were also carried to success on International Day in Hong Kong by Soviet Line in the Hong Kong Bowl.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who is the UAE's defence minister, and Maktoum's brother and heir, will automatically take over as ruler of Dubai.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The news of the Sheikh's death has come on the same day that Collingrove announced the death of renowned sire and former Melbourne Cup winner Jeune (GB), aged 16.

Currently 8th on Australia’s Sire List, Jeune was known for his versatility as a racehorse and sire. Jeune won 10 races inc. four Gr 1 events from 1400m to 3200m and was named Australasian Horse of the Year when trained by David Hayes to win the Melbourne Cup and set a course record in the C.F Orr Stakes (over 1400m) in 1994.

Jeune was trained at Lindsay Park by the late Colin Hayes and then by David Hayes for Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid al Maktoum before being syndicated for stud in 1996.