Although Jazil’s Belmont Stakes (gr. I) victory and Invasor’s Horse of the Year campaign in 2006 resulted in a banner year for Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Stable, 2007 had more than its share of triumphs as well. Three of the stable’s stars posted grade I victories, and Shadwell Stable earned the Eclipse Award for outstanding owner.
While Invasor kicked off the year by winning the Donn Handicap (gr. I), Lahudood and Daaher ended it by winning the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) and Hill ‘n’ Dale Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I), respectively.
Invasor also provided Sheikh Hamdan, who is Dubai’s deputy ruler and minister of finance and industry, with a special victory when he won the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in what would be his final start. The son of Candy Stripes was retired in June after injuring his right hind ankle during a workout.
A homebred, Lahudood burst on to the scene with a victory in the Sept. 29 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (gr. IT), while Daaher won the Jerome Handicap (gr. II) a week later. Although Lahudood has been retired, Daaher will race as a 4-year-old.
In addition to his trio of grade I winners, Sheikh Hamdan was also represented by homebreds Makderah and Shakis, who won the New York Stakes and Bernard Baruch Handicap (both gr. IIT), respectively. Shadwell Stable runners made a total of 140 starts on the year, and earned $3,449,878 in North America while winning 28 races.
