Sheikh Mohammed’s eldest son dies of heart attack aged 33
The eldest son of the ruler of Dubai has died at the age of 33.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who competed at endurance and was also involved in racing, suffered a heart attack and died on Saturday (19 September).
He has been buried at Umm Hurair Cemetery in Dubai.
Sheikh Rashid’s international endurance results include a win at the CEIO3* held in Gubbio, Italy, second place at the CEI3* in Wadi Rum, Jordan, both in 2006.
The same year, he also won team and individual gold at the 15th Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar, aboard nine-year-old Magic Glenn, also known as Nashmi or “The Brave” in Arabic.
He last competed under FEI rules in 2008.
The nation is currently in three-days of mourning for the prince, who was the son of Godolphin founder His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of Dubai.
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UAE flags are being flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Rashid’s brother— current endurance world champion Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum — paid tribute to his late sibling on social media.
“Today, I lost a best friend and a childhood companion.. my dear brother Rashid. You will be missed,” he said.
Sheikh Rashid’s racehorses — including 2013 Group One Golden Shaheen winner Reynaldothewizard — ran under the banner of Zabeel Racing International and were trained by Satish Seemar.
The British Prime Minister David Cameron, world leaders and members of other royal families are among those that have offered their condolences to Dubai’s royal family.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.