Racing’s top global powerhouses: From royal families to Irish farms

By Ben Church, CNN
Updated 6:56 AM EST, Thu January 24, 2019
Multi award-winning snapper Edward Whitaker earned horse racing's photograph of the year award with this stunning image of a rare blue supermoon in Lambourn, Berkshire in January 2018. "I knew a spot where the angle was just right," he says. Here he talks CNN Sport through seven of his favorite images.
Supermoon —
Multi award-winning snapper Edward Whitaker earned horse racing's photograph of the year award with this stunning image of a rare blue supermoon in Lambourn, Berkshire in January 2018. "I knew a spot where the angle was just right," he says. Here he talks CNN Sport through seven of his favorite images.
Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Whitaker's image of French horse Arazi pulling off a stunning last-to-first victory in the 1991 Breeder's Cup at Churchill Downs made his name. "He went through the field like it was 'National Velvet' or some ridiculous film like that. I got this image of jockey Pat Valenzuela screaming his head off against the spires of Churchill Downs. My lot were blown away, it was a big breakthrough."
French fancy —
Whitaker's image of French horse Arazi pulling off a stunning last-to-first victory in the 1991 Breeder's Cup at Churchill Downs made his name. "He went through the field like it was 'National Velvet' or some ridiculous film like that. I got this image of jockey Pat Valenzuela screaming his head off against the spires of Churchill Downs. My lot were blown away, it was a big breakthrough."
Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Another picture that has defined his career is this shot of the great stallion Danehill being hosed down at Coolmore Stud in Ireland in 2003. "I just love the whole effect, how the water is reacting over the horse. He turns his neck so it was almost like a massage to him, and you can see how much he's enjoying it. I had to shoot it on a slow shutter speed and there's a real sense of movement in the water, and the light is just lovely."<br />
Shower time —
Another picture that has defined his career is this shot of the great stallion Danehill being hosed down at Coolmore Stud in Ireland in 2003. "I just love the whole effect, how the water is reacting over the horse. He turns his neck so it was almost like a massage to him, and you can see how much he's enjoying it. I had to shoot it on a slow shutter speed and there's a real sense of movement in the water, and the light is just lovely."
Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
This color-filled image of Churchill Downs is another Whitaker favorite. "I knew there was this fire exit up to a door that opened onto the roof so I went up there and caught this great dawn. There was a cold front coming in, so I knew there would be some very dramatic reds and yellows in the sky. And now they light up the iconic spires with purple light, so the colors are unbelievable. It's so American and over the top."
Kaleidoscopic —
This color-filled image of Churchill Downs is another Whitaker favorite. "I knew there was this fire exit up to a door that opened onto the roof so I went up there and caught this great dawn. There was a cold front coming in, so I knew there would be some very dramatic reds and yellows in the sky. And now they light up the iconic spires with purple light, so the colors are unbelievable. It's so American and over the top."
Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Horses break from the stalls in front of the Great Stables at Chantilly, France in 2016. "I love this shot because of the light and the horse rearing at the start. It's just a dramatic picture. That one horse going up gives it great strength."
Chantilly face —
Horses break from the stalls in front of the Great Stables at Chantilly, France in 2016. "I love this shot because of the light and the horse rearing at the start. It's just a dramatic picture. That one horse going up gives it great strength."
Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Whitaker's luck was in with this picture from Cheltenham last January when he discovered the flying horseshoe. It was part of his portfolio that won an eighth photographer of the year award. "It was a remote picture from under the fence shooting into a clear blue sky. It was a nice picture anyway but the fact the shoe fell off and pointed upright was just unique. I'd never seen anything like it. That's why photography is so exciting."
Lucky horseshoe —
Whitaker's luck was in with this picture from Cheltenham last January when he discovered the flying horseshoe. It was part of his portfolio that won an eighth photographer of the year award. "It was a remote picture from under the fence shooting into a clear blue sky. It was a nice picture anyway but the fact the shoe fell off and pointed upright was just unique. I'd never seen anything like it. That's why photography is so exciting."
Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Whitaker conquered his fears and rode up in the TV crane to capture this image of the city of Chester and the racecourse. "This is the scariest picture I've ever taken. You go up on this wobbly plank with a safety harness clipped to a metal frame. I was absolutely terrified but the view was amazing, the light was just right and I got this great scene of Chester with the action on the racecourse."
Scared stiff —
Whitaker conquered his fears and rode up in the TV crane to capture this image of the city of Chester and the racecourse. "This is the scariest picture I've ever taken. You go up on this wobbly plank with a safety harness clipped to a metal frame. I was absolutely terrified but the view was amazing, the light was just right and I got this great scene of Chester with the action on the racecourse."
Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Stunning shots from horse racing's photographer of the year
CNN  — 

Horse racing may be the sport of kings, but it is also the business of behemoths.

All-conquering global stables monopolize the best breeding programs and plunder the best thoroughbreds to keep the conveyor belt rolling.

Visit cnn.com/sport for more news, features and videos

These Barcelonas of the equestrian world are all clamoring for the next money-spinning champion and are willing to part with millions for the privilege.

Here are five of the biggest and most successful powerhouses in the world of horse racing.

READ: World’s most beautiful race courses – From beaches to greensward to frozen lakes

Sheikh Mohammed and his Godolphin operation are among racing's powerhouses.
Sheikh Mohammed and his Godolphin operation are among racing's powerhouses.
AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Godolphin

Founded by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Godolphin has grown into one of the most powerful racing and breeding operations in the world.

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, grew up with a love of horses and began his empire in 1992, with the name derived from the Godolphin Arabian, one of the three founding stallions of the modern thoroughbred in the 18th century.

The Dubai-based business has grown hand-in-hand with the Arab region and now also has facilities in the UK, USA, Australia and Japan.

READ: Dubai ruler finally wins Melbourne Cup

Godolphin has saddled some of the biggest stars of the equine world and surpassed 5,000 career wins last year – 288 of which have come in Grade 1 races – and sits second in the Global Owners Rankings.

The breeding arm is the Darley stud, with about 80 stallions in seven countries around the world. Its most treasured asset is stallion Dubawi, son of the great Dubai Millennium. In 2018, Dubawi was ranked the most successful sire in the world and commands a stud fee of $325,000.

READ: Stunning shots from horse racing’s photographer of the year

Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed has held a life-long passion for horses.
Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed has held a life-long passion for horses.
Warren Little/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Coolmore

Top of those Global Owners Rankings is Irish powerhouse Coolmore.

From its beginnings as a small farm in County Tipperary, Ireland, Coolmore has become one of the world’s largest thoroughbred breeding operations.

The outfit, which is headed up by business magnet John Magnier, now has stables in America and Australia and is represented in all major fixtures in the racing calendar.

John Magnier has been credited with transforming Coolmore.
John Magnier has been credited with transforming Coolmore.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

It boasts an array of illustrious stallions, including the legendary Galileo who continues to produce a plethora of champions. His bumper stud fee remains undisclosed, but his progeny won $8.8 million across Britain and Ireland in 2018 – a below-par year by his own standards.

The stable has also acquired the breeding rights of Triple Crown winner Justify this year, with hopes the champion can bring through the next generation of winners.

The racing branch of the business is run through Ballydoyle, where Aidan O’Brien has continued his father’s legacy as one of the greatest trainers on the planet. In 2017, O’Brien set a world record by training 28 Group 1 winners in a calendar year.

READ: The world’s richest horse races…or how to earn $7M in two minutes

Boasting the world's first five-star trackside hotel, restaurants and a museum, Dubai's Meydan Racecourse is a first-class racing destination.
Meydan Racecourse, Dubai —
Boasting the world's first five-star trackside hotel, restaurants and a museum, Dubai's Meydan Racecourse is a first-class racing destination.
The Meydan Hotel
St. Moritz is known for world-class skiing, glitz, glamor and...horse racing? The venue for the White Turf event, held three days a year, isn't your typical racecourse. Instead, it's held on a frozen lake.
St. Moritz, Switzerland —
St. Moritz is known for world-class skiing, glitz, glamor and...horse racing? The venue for the White Turf event, held three days a year, isn't your typical racecourse. Instead, it's held on a frozen lake.
Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Flemington is Australia's oldest metropolitan racecourse and home to the famous Melbourne Cup. The revamped venue was first used in 1840 when the town of Melbourne was just five years old.
Flemington Racecourse, Australia —
Flemington is Australia's oldest metropolitan racecourse and home to the famous Melbourne Cup. The revamped venue was first used in 1840 when the town of Melbourne was just five years old.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Simply put, there is no racecourse in the world quite like the Piazza del Campo in Italy. Its origins date back to medieval times when jockeys rode buffalo. The piazza is packed with spectators with racing around the outside.
Piazza del Campo, Italy —
Simply put, there is no racecourse in the world quite like the Piazza del Campo in Italy. Its origins date back to medieval times when jockeys rode buffalo. The piazza is packed with spectators with racing around the outside.
VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images
Happy Valley Racecourse was built in 1845 to provide horse racing for expat Britons living in Hong Kong. It's surrounded by giant apartments and skyscrapers -- giving visitors an unusually beautiful scenic view.
Happy Valley, Hong Kong —
Happy Valley Racecourse was built in 1845 to provide horse racing for expat Britons living in Hong Kong. It's surrounded by giant apartments and skyscrapers -- giving visitors an unusually beautiful scenic view.
Getty Images
Just the name "Ascot" conjures visions of royalty, elegance, high fashion and world-class racing. The racecourse was opened in 1711 by Queen Anne, and Royal Ascot is still one of the most celebrated meetings on the calendar.
Ascot, England —
Just the name "Ascot" conjures visions of royalty, elegance, high fashion and world-class racing. The racecourse was opened in 1711 by Queen Anne, and Royal Ascot is still one of the most celebrated meetings on the calendar.
Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe
Spectacular and timeless, historic Chantilly sits in front of the 16th-century Chateau de Chantilly and the majestic Great Stables (pictured) amid forests 30 miles north of Paris.
Chantilly, France —
Spectacular and timeless, historic Chantilly sits in front of the 16th-century Chateau de Chantilly and the majestic Great Stables (pictured) amid forests 30 miles north of Paris.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Laytown Races is the only official beach race in Europe. Situated on the Irish coast, the 150-year-old tradition attracts more than 5000 regular visitors every year. Horses race along the sands on a makeshift course.
Laytown Races, Ireland —
Laytown Races is the only official beach race in Europe. Situated on the Irish coast, the 150-year-old tradition attracts more than 5000 regular visitors every year. Horses race along the sands on a makeshift course.
PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The rolling Sussex countryside unfolds in front of one of the most iconic venues in flat racing. Goodwood has hosted racing since 1802 and offers the perfect setting for the famous Glorious Goodwood meeting.
Goodwood Racecourse, England —
The rolling Sussex countryside unfolds in front of one of the most iconic venues in flat racing. Goodwood has hosted racing since 1802 and offers the perfect setting for the famous Glorious Goodwood meeting.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Cheltenham is a shrine to jump racing against the idyllic backdrop of the Cotswold hills. It hosts the prestigious Cheltenham Festival every March, the highlight of the world's jump racing calendar.
Cheltenham Racecourse, England —
Cheltenham is a shrine to jump racing against the idyllic backdrop of the Cotswold hills. It hosts the prestigious Cheltenham Festival every March, the highlight of the world's jump racing calendar.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The world's most beautiful racecourses

Qatar Racing Limited

Qatar Racing was founded by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani in 2012 and has gained global recognition in a relatively short amount of time.

A member of the ruling Qatari family, Sheikh Fahad is one of the most powerful people in the sport and has harbored a life-long love for thoroughbred racing.

Now bankrolled by his brothers’ investment firm QIPCO, the empire includes a breeding program under the name of Pearl Bloodstock.

Notable graduates of the stable include triple Group 1 winner Dunaden and Sheikh Fahad’s first Group 1 winner Lightening Pearl.

The stable enjoyed one of its best seasons last year, largely thanks to its backing of in-form trainer John Gosden and the powerful Roaring Lion.

Sheikh Fahad al Thani, head of Qatar Racing, celebrates during Royal Ascot.
Sheikh Fahad al Thani, head of Qatar Racing, celebrates during Royal Ascot.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe

Juddmonte Farms

An American powerhouse with the financial backing of a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, no wonder Juddmonte Farms has had so much success.

Owner Prince Khalid bin Abdullah is helped by his four sons but insists that racing remains a hobby and not a money-making operation.

Despite this, the farm was honored with its fourth Eclipse Award as outstanding owner in 2017 – adding to recognitions in 1992, 2003, and 2016.

Juddmonte’s recent success has been based around three wonder horses; Arrogate, Frankel and Enable.

Juddmonte owned Arrogate winning the 2017 Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
Juddmonte owned Arrogate winning the 2017 Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

Arrogate won the world’s richest race, the Pegasus World Cup, in 2017 and followed it up with the Dubai World Cup later that year to become the richest North American thoroughbred of all time with earnings of more than $17.4 million.

In addition, Enable, trained in Britain by Gosden, won Juddmonte’s eighth Breeders’ Cup title in 2018 and a second straight Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in France.

Legendary racehorse Frankel, a son of Galileo, continues to be a prize asset as a stud with a cover fee of $228,000. His offspring, of which Cracksman is the standout, netted a prize haul of more than $1 million at Royal Ascot alone last year.

READ: Winx and Cracksman named top-ranked horse of the year

READ: Enable set for historic third Arc bid in 2019

READ: Why jockey Dettori is a ‘slave’ to trademark flying dismount

WinStar Farm

One of the leading thoroughbred racing and breeding stables in the USA, WinStar has been blessed with success – especially in recent years.

Situated in Kentucky, the stable is owned by American billionaire Kenny Troutt who made his name in communications but has since invested heavily in his love for racing.

Most notably, the farm owned 2018’s Triple Crown winner Justify – who became just the 13th horse to ever complete the epic feat.

Justify, left, with jockey Mike Smith, crosses the finish line to win the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race on Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Elmont, New York. Justify became the 13th thoroughbred to win horse racing's Triple Crown, taking first in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes last month.
Justify, left, with jockey Mike Smith, crosses the finish line to win the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race on Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Elmont, New York. Justify became the 13th thoroughbred to win horse racing's Triple Crown, taking first in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes last month.
Julio Cortez/AP
Jockey Mike Smith celebrates after the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 9 in Elmont, New York. Justify is now the 13th Triple Crown winner and the first since American Pharoah in 2015.
Jockey Mike Smith celebrates after the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 9 in Elmont, New York. Justify is now the 13th Triple Crown winner and the first since American Pharoah in 2015.
Al Bello/Getty Images
WinStar Farm owner Kenny Troutt and his family celebrate Justify's win at the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 2018. WinStar is one of the owners of Justify, who has won all six races he has run this year.
WinStar Farm owner Kenny Troutt and his family celebrate Justify's win at the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 2018. WinStar is one of the owners of Justify, who has won all six races he has run this year.
Eclipse Sportswire/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
The team behind Justify poses with the new Triple Crown trophy after their horse won the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown on Saturday, June 9, in Elmont, New York.
The team behind Justify poses with the new Triple Crown trophy after their horse won the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown on Saturday, June 9, in Elmont, New York.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Justify (No. 7), ridden by jockey Mike Smith, leads the field into the first turn during the 143rd running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2018, in Baltimore.
Justify (No. 7), ridden by jockey Mike Smith, leads the field into the first turn during the 143rd running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2018, in Baltimore.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Justify, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, wins the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2018, in Baltimore.
Justify, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, wins the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2018, in Baltimore.
Eclipse Sportswire/Getty Images
Justify is seen at Pimlico Race Course on May 16, 2018, in Baltimore, three days before winning the Preakness Stakes.
Justify is seen at Pimlico Race Course on May 16, 2018, in Baltimore, three days before winning the Preakness Stakes.
Eclipse Sportswire/Getty Images
Kentucky Derby winner Justify gallops in preparation for the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course on May 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Kentucky Derby winner Justify gallops in preparation for the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course on May 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Eclipse Sportswire/Getty Images
Justify, with jockey Mike Smith, wins the 2018 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Justify, with jockey Mike Smith, wins the 2018 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Horsephotos/Getty Images
Justify's saddle towel drips water after the horse won the 144th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Justify's saddle towel drips water after the horse won the 144th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Eclipse Sportswire/Getty Images
Justify, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, wins the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Justify, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, wins the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Eclipse Sportswire/Getty Images
Justify, the No. 7 horse, crosses the finish line with jockey Mike Smith to win the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Justify, the No. 7 horse, crosses the finish line with jockey Mike Smith to win the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2018, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Justify wins Triple Crown

READ: New horse coat color pattern called ‘ýruskjóttur’ discovered in Iceland

Since retirement, the majority of Justify’s breeding rights have been sold to Coolmore, where his stud fee for this years stands at $150,000.

Despite predominately being a breeding operation, WinStar has had success with a number of other horses – its first Group 1 victory came in 2010 with Super Saver.

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