Name: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Age: 48.

First thoroughbred bought: 1976.

First winner: Hatta 1977.

Colours: Maroon with white sleeves, maroon cap white star. First registered 1977.

Most Expensive yearling bought: Snaafi Dancer ($10.2m at 1983 Keeneland July Sale).

British Bloodstock bases: Dalham Hall Stud, Derisley Wood Stud, Hadrian Stud, Rutland Stud, Warren Stud and White Lodge Stud all in Newmarket.

Business interests: Owns eight farms, the most prominent of which are Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket and Kildangan Stud. Stallions standing at Dalham Hall include Polish Precedent, Shareef Dancer, Machievellian, Wolfhound, Lion Cavern, Halling and Mark of Esteem. Irish Classic victories: 1,000 Guineas: Sonic Lady (1986), Ensconse (1989); 2,000 Guineas: Shaadi (1989), Barathea (1993), Derby: Old Vic (1989), Winged Love (1995); Oaks: Unite 1987, Diminuendo and Melodist (dead heat, 1988), Alydaress (1989); St Leger: Authaal (1986).

British Classic winners: 1,000 Guineas: Oh So Sharp (1985), Musical Bliss (1989); 2,000 Guineas: Pennekamp (1995); Oaks: Oh So Sharp (1985), Unite (1987), Diminuendo (1988), Intrepidity (1993): St Leger: Oh So Sharp (1985), Moonax (1994), Shantou (1996).

Other big race victories: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes: Belmez (1990). Coral Eclipse: Pebbles (1985), Opera House 1993. Queen Elizabeth II Stakes: Sure Blade (1986). Juddmonte International: Singspiel (1997). Cheveley Park Stakes: Embassy (1997).

Principle races won abroad: Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Carnegie (1994); Breeders' Cup Turf: Pebbles (1985), In the Wings (1990); Breeders' Cup Juvenile: Arazi (1991); Breeders' Cup Mile: Barathea (1994); Japan Cup: Singspiel (1996); Dubai World Cup: Singspiel (1997).

Other interests: Mastermind behind hugely successful Godolphin operation. Godolphin horses spend winter in Dubai, then return to Europe for spring and summer campaigns.

Hobbies: Camel racing and falconry.