Mind over Muta: my struggle to get to grips with Sheikh Hamdan's greats

I was very sad to read of the downsizing of the fantastic Shadwell operation recently, although it was perhaps inevitable following the death of Hamdan Al Maktoum earlier in the year. But I have to confess there is one aspect of the Shadwell horses I won't miss: their names.

Sheikh Hamdan's blue and white silks have become ubiquitous on British and Irish racecourses in the last 40 years, with 168 Group winners in the two countries since the Racing Post database began in 1988. Yet just three had English names (see below) – which is neither here nor there in the grand scheme of things but meant curtains for my quiz prospects at times.

I've long had a decent knowledge of racing history and have helped the Racing Post to a few quiz wins during my time here, but my recall hits a brick wall when it comes to some of the sheikh's great champions. For someone as linguistically challenged as myself, they just sound far too similar.