Mtoto’s rider Michael Roberts pays tribute to Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum

Roberts partnered the Alec Stewart-trained Mtoto to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Eclipse and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes in a memorable summer of 1988 which also included an unlucky defeat to Tony Bin in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

The South African also rode Mtoto to victory over Derby winner Reference Point in the 1987 Eclipse, and told the Press Association: “We had so much fun with Mtoto. I’ll never forget how excited he was the first time he won the Eclipse as he beat the Derby winner in Reference Point, I’ll never forget that.

“He was staunch supporter, he was very good to me to be honest and a big supporter of Alec as well. The Maktoum family as a whole are very loyal owners, they are proper people.

“When Sheikh Hamdan died his daughter carried on in racing and it would be nice if Sheikh Ahmed’s family do as well.

“He was such a big supporter of mine. He was so excited that day we won the Eclipse for the first time, it was unbelievable seeing him like that. Mtoto was a very special horse, you don’t get many like him so for me to find one like that I have him to thank.

“It’s very sad and my thoughts are with his family.”

Sheikh Ahmed, the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed, was deputy chairman of the Dubai police, Group Chairman of A.R.M Holding – a private investment firm in Dubai – and chairman of Al Wasl football club. A 10-day period of mourning has been announced.

Other leading horses in his colours include William Haggas’ Addeybb winner of multiple Group Ones in Australia and the 2020 Champion Stakes at Ascot, Iffraaj who won several Group races before becoming a top stallion, and just this year he enjoyed Group One success with Ed Walker’s Almaqam in Ireland and Roger Varian’s Saddadd in Germany.

Sheikh Mohammed took to social media to say: “May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“May God have mercy on you, my brother. You have settled with a Generous and Great Lord. You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed.

“May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace. And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

A statement from Hugh Anderson, Godolphin’s managing director, said: “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sheikh Ahmed.

“He was a simply outstanding owner and breeder whose contribution to our sport will be felt for many years to come. Everyone who knew him was touched by his generosity of spirit and love of Dubai; he shared the same passion for racing as his brothers and will be sadly missed.

“We send our sincerest condolences to all of the Maktoum family.”

The Dubai Racing Club paid its respects by saying: “Dubai Racing Club mourns the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“A distinguished figure in the UAE, his remarkable legacy spans decades of contribution to the nation, with an enduring impact on sport, equestrianism and horseracing.

“His life was defined by dedication and service to his country, leaving a legacy that will remain an important part of the UAE’s sporting and national history.”