Sheik Mohammed Pulls 40 Horses From Trainer

NEWMARKET, England — One of British horse racing’s most successful partnerships is ending with Sheik Mohammed’s decision to pull 40 thoroughbreds from trainer Henry Cecil’s barn.

Sheik Mohammed, regarded as the world’s most powerful racehorse owner, was upset with Cecil for not telling him that one of his 2-year-olds, Mark Of Esteem, had been injured for several weeks. The Sheik, the crown prince and defense minister of Dubai, said he believed Cecil had misled him.

The Sheik also was riled by comments made by Cecil’s wife, Natalie, when he pulled two other horses away from the stable last month. She described the move as “a terrible blow” for the stable and “devastating” for the staff.