The world of Thoroughbred racing is remembering the huge debt it owes Prince Khalid Abdullah, one of the all-time greats of the sport, who died today aged 83.
A statement issued by Juddmonte, his fabled racing and breeding operation, said, “It is with great sadness that Juddmonte announces the death of His Highness Prince Khalid bin Abdullah. He died peacefully on Tuesday, 12th January, 2021.”
The Saudi Prince was arguably the most successful owner-breeder of the last half-century, during which time he owned four horses of a lifetime - Dancing Brave, Frankel, Arrogate and Enable - as well as a stunning array of other champions, including Empire Maker, Zafonic and Kingman.
His horses brought joy to millions and won six Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, three Epsom Derbys and seven races at the Breeders’ Cup, including the Classic in 2016 with Arrogate, who also won a Dubai World Cup. His Juddmonte Farms top the Breeders’ Cup all-time earnings list at over $17 million. He won nine Eclipse Awards (four for owner and five for breeder), was champion owner in Britain three times and champion owner in both Britain and France in 2003.
His colours were carried to victory by over 500 stakes winners around the world, of which he bred over 440, including 118 G1 winners, of which he bred 102. They included 28 Classics in the U.S. and Europe. It was only recently that we were celebrating the 40th year since the first of those Classics, Known Fact in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas of 1980.
But the Prince will be remembered also for his other enormous contributions to the sport, including his sponsorship of major races, headlined by the G1 Juddmonte International, the mile-and-a-quarter G1 that tops the bill at the York Ebor Festival every August and has more than once been named as the best race in the world.
Douglas Erskine Crum, CEO of 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.”