Khalid Abdullah plans to disperse part of his global Juddmonte equine operation.

The Saudi prince owns nine studs spread between Britain, Ireland and the USA with more than 900 horses in training in all three countries along with France.

Juddmonte’s undefeated champion Frankel is just finishing his first book at Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket.  Its crown jewel is not included in the end-of-year dispersal.

Other Juddmonte Farm stallions include Oasis Dream, Dansili and Rail Link (Europe) as well as First Defence and Mizzen Mast (USA).  The international operation has bred 80 Group 1 winners and foals about 200 homebreds every year.

Juddmonte chief executive Douglas Erskine-Crum said the move did not signal a withdrawal from the sport by Prince Abdullah.  “His Highness has decided to make some disposals but what they are and what the plan is has yet to be decided.  It is early days and we are just beginning to think about it.  It certainly does not mark a complete exit from the sport.  His Highness’ interest in racing is still extremely high.”

Abdullah, 75, won his first classic with Known Fact in the 1980 English 2000 Guineas.  He also bred and owned Danehill and the Arc de Triomphe winners Dancing Brave (1986), Rail Link (2006), Rainbow Quest (1985) and Workforce (2010).

They were all eclipsed by Frankel who retired to Banstead Manor this year after an undefeated career that saw him rated Europe’s greatest-ever galloper by Timeform.