AS I contemplated how best to write about the legacy of Sheikh Hamdan, I realised that no words of mine could adequately describe the impact he has had in four decades on racing and breeding globally.

He has had great days racing in Ireland, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the USA, Australia, South Africa and, of course, in his beloved homeland, the United Arab Emirates. He won the Dubai World Cup, due to be run this weekend, on two occasions.