Goodbye Sheikh Hamdan

Slightly odd post this because it will primarily be about Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum (sorry if I have spelt any of that wrong). When I going racing (it seems a long time ago now) I am an avid paddock watcher.

Of course that is mainly at Plumpton, Fontwell and Brighton but just occasionally it includes York and Goodwood. And when I have gone to the latter smarter tracks Sheikh Hamdan has been in the paddock, race card in hand watching the horses (including the ones he owns) as avidly as me. He smiled and took notes, as some rather muscular men with short haircuts circled nearby with a finger on their ear talking into their sleeves.

It seemed to me from my small observations that Sheikh Hamdan, for all his wealth and other responsibilities, was a genuine racing fan. I was sorry to hear today that he has died and only hope that Shadwell Stud (and everyone who worked there has only praise for their boss) can carry on the great work he started.

Having been saddened by news of Sheikh Hamdan's passing I  turned to 1.45 Market Rasen (pretty sure he has never had a runner there) and backed Qunita Do Mar and then Song of the Hunter in the 2.02 at Haydock (Battash ran rather well there) to cheer me up - both were pipped on the line having traded at short odds in running. At least it's only a hobby for me and the Sheikh. RIP Sir.

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