Sheikh extends racing empire

Sheikh Mohammed has bought up the entire entry of the late Gerald Leigh’s bloodstock, before it could reach the Tattersall’s December sale.

These include Gossamer, winner of the Fillies’ Mile and Irish 1000 Guineas, as well as a select band of broodmares in-foal to stallions such as Sadler’s Wells and Seeking The Gold, sire of Dubai Millennium.

The Sheikh’s bid of approximately £35m ensures his ownership of one of the finest broodmare bands, which produced top-flight performers for Leigh, including Barathea, Bosra Sham and Act One.

Once his interest was confirmed last week, rivals — believed to include the Aga Khan, Prince Faisal Salman and a Russian client of bloodstock agent, James Wigan — entered into the fray, but were unsuccessful in their attempts to outbid him.

Leigh’s Eydon Hall Farm is to be prepared for sale in the spring of next year.

Read more racing news, including the death of a former Derby winner and the auction of rare racing papers dating back to 1654, in this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (9 October).

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