Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid at Dubai World Cup over the years - in pictures

Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance was also world’s leading owner-breeder of thoroughbreds

Italian rider Frankie Dettori celebrates his 2003 Dubai World Cup win with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid. AFP

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid give the winner's trophy to Stefan Friborg and his wife Dalva de Oliveira, owners of Gloria De Campeao which won the 2010 Dubai World Cup. AFP

Mirco Demuro celebrates while receiving the winner's trophy by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid after clinching the 2011 Dubai World Cup. EPA

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid celebrates after winning the 2014 Dubai World Cup. Satish Kumar / The National

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid is presented with the 2015 Dubai World Cup trophy after Prince Bishop won the showpiece race. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, celebrate winning the 2015 Dubai World Cup. Getty

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid presents the golden stick to the 2017 Dubai World Cup winning jockey Mike Smith. EPA

Arrogate, ridden by Mike Smith, won the 2017 Dubai World Cup. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid at the podium. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid arrives at the 2018 Dubai World Cup. Reem Mohammed / The National

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, with the 2018 Dubai World Cup trophy after Thunder Show, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, won the race. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed during the 2018 Dubai World Cup trophy presentation ceremony after Thunder Snow, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, won at the Meydan Racecourse. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at the 2019 Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National

It was a sombre day in the world of horse racing as Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, passed away on Wednesday.

Sheikh Hamdan was one of the world’s leading owner-breeder of thoroughbreds and chief patron of Purebred Arabians. Many horses ran in his blue and white silks and tasted success at Classics.

Sheikh Hamdan also won the Dubai World Cup twice, which is of particular significance as the event returns to Meydan on Saturday.

As the world of horse racing, Dubai World Cup organisers and patrons reflect on the loss, we take a look at Sheikh Hamdan at the showpiece event over the years in the picture gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.

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