A “focus on quality and competition at the highest level” is the drive for Shadwell going forward after the organisation announced on Thursday it is undertaking a full review of its breeding and racing activities.

Back in February, a month before the death of the influential Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Shadwell announced that it was cutting ties with Australia and subsequently dispersed its stock at auction at various Australasian sales.

Shadwell’s statement said: “The global racing and breeding enterprise – the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away in March this year – announces that it is undertaking a full review of all its activities that will result in important changes for the business.

“As a result, its operations in the UK, Ireland and the USA will contract, with a focus on quality and competition at the highest level of the sport with horses of the calibre of Baaeed and Malathaat.

“A number of horses in training and homebred yearlings will be sold this autumn, while its broodmare band will be further reduced through dispersals at key auctions over the coming months.

“The family wish to stress that they remain extremely passionate about the sport and through the chairmanship of Sheikha Hissa, herself an accomplished horsewoman, are committed to ensuring that their father’s legacy endures for many years to come.”

Chris Kennard, Shadwell’s UK Director, added: “As part of a long-term plan for Shadwell to operate on a sustainable footing, a recent decision has been made to contract the size of the global business.

“This will involve the imminent sale of a substantial number of horses – including yearlings, horses in training and breeding stock, and in due course, a reorganisation of each of the worldwide operations.”