The death has been announced of Khalid Abdullah, one of the most important and successful owner-breeders in the history of horse racing. His pink, green and white silks became a familiar part of British Flat racing in the 1980s and are associated by generations of fans with some of the sport’s greatest names, including Frankel, Enable and Dancing Brave.
The news was announced on Tuesday by Juddmonte, the Newmarket-based stud operation which he founded. “The whole of Juddmonte feels a huge sense of loss,” said its chief executive, Douglas Erskine Crum.
“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.”
Abdullah will be especially remembered for the faith he showed in Sir Henry Cecil, continuing to send the trainer well-bred yearlings after others had deserted him. Cecil’s career revived and the owner was rewarded for his faith by the trainer’s faultless handling of Frankel, an unbeaten champion whose fame spread far beyond the sport.