Prince Khalid Abdullah, founder of the Juddmonte bloodstock breeding operation, producer of Frankel and Enable has died.
"The Prince" as he was referred to by one of his most successful trainers, the late Sir Henry Cecil died peacefully on Tuesday 12th January.
His Highness Prince Khalid Abdullah, one of the most prolific owner-breeders in racing history, has passed away.
For over four decades, Prince Khalid developed from his Newmarket @JuddmonteFarms HQ a racing dynasty that would leave a lasting legacy on the thoroughbred breed. pic.twitter.com/p2gFsF61ez— GBRI (@GBRI_UK) January 12, 2021
Abdullah's silks were carried to victory by many of the greatest racehorses of the 20th and 21st century.
Recent high-profile horses include Frankel, the highest-rated horse since records began, Arrogate the highest earner in North American history, and Enable, a record-breaking multiple champion.
One of the greatest owner-breeders of all time whose impact on the sport has been seismic - our thoughts are with the family of Khalid Abdullah following his sad passing. His greats @JuddmonteFarms include
⭐️ Frankel
⭐️ Dancing Brave
⭐️ Kingman
⭐️ Oasis Dream
⭐️ Enable pic.twitter.com/adFVy4J6VT— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 12, 2021
While older readers will be familiar with the brilliant Dancing Brave who had an incredible season in 1986. He won the Arc, 2000 Guineas and Eclipse while he was narrowly beaten in the Derby at Epsom under a controversial Greville Starkey ride.
Dancing Brave was the highest rated horse in European racing until Frankel arrived. It was a distinguished achievement for one owner to have both horses.
In Ireland Dermot Weld and Ger Lyons both trained horses for Juddmonte, with Siskin enjoying Classic success at The Curragh in this year's 2000 Guineas.
Khalid Abdullah, master breeder
Abdullah passes as one of the greatest ever owner-breeders in the history of the thoroughbred. His colours were carried to victory by over 500 stakes winners, of which he bred over 440, including 118 Group or Grade One winners. Incredibly he bred 102 of those top level performers.
Frankie Dettori told the Racing Post "It's very sad news. I've enjoyed some great success for Prince Khalid over the years.
"He was an amazing man with an amazing breeding operation that produced many champions [...]
"I know he got great satisfaction from Enable and I think it was probably one of the last times he went racing when she won the Arc for a second time."
Douglas Erskine Crum, CEO Juddmonte, said: “The whole of Juddmonte feels a huge sense of loss. Prince Khalid will always be remembered as a quiet, dignified, benevolent family man, whose horses spoke for him.
“He leaves a legacy that will stand the test of time. His contribution to the development of the thoroughbred will have long-lasting effects.”
