The Sheik of Thoroughbreds

The effect that horses have on Dubai’s ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, have turned into an obsession as he’s shelled out more than $1 billion on them, making him a ruler in thoroughbred horse racing. Although his primary responsibilities include acting as the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, his passion for horse racing has lead him to building a custom 747 to ferry them, the only plane of it’s kind in the world. Sheik Mohammed is also the host to the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest series in horse racing. via Condé Nast Portfolio