Ghaiyyath on top of the world

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed is enjoying the wonderful achievement of owning a third generation Godolphin Champion in Ghaiyyath, whose autumn plans are expected to be finalised by the end of the week, reports trainer Charlie Appleby.

The son of Dubawi and grandson of Dubai Millennium is officially the best horse in the world on ratings recently published, and according to British handicapper Dominic Gardner-Hill, the bold galloper has been responsible for the two best performances globally in 2020.

Ghaiyyath turned in a breathtaking display to make all in the G1 Coronation Cup in course record time at Newmarket in June, and his win in the G1 Juddmonte International at York was stunning. Sandwiched between was a hard-fought victory over Enable in the G1 Eclipse at Sandown Park.

Appleby said: “No decisions on his programme have been reached, but all the major races one would expect are under consideration — the G1 Irish Champion Stakes, the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Ascot’s G1 Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.

“Ghaiyyath has come back from York in fine order. He has taken it well, and post-race, he looks very good. The old racing cliche is applicable here — he will tell us where and when he goes next. We will monitor him closely and work something out by the end of the week.

“Our policy is always to do what is best for the horse,” the trainer added.

Appleby is clearly basking in the delight of training such an outstanding type. “He is a great horse to be dealing with and a true Champion from a sire line His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has nurtured and developed over the past two decades.

“It is a privilege to be training the progeny of Dubawi. They are fantastic racehorses, who have athleticism and willingness, which sets them apart,” he added.

“I’m so pleased for His Highness that he has another true Champion in his stable,” he added.

“Ghaiyyath is indeed the special one.”

Dubawi won five of his eight starts, taking the G1 National Stakes as a juvenile and the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and G1 Prix Jacques le Marois at three.

Dubai Millennium won nine of his 10 starts, including four G1s, the Prix Jacques le Marois, Ascot’s QEII, Dubai World Cup and Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Ghaiyyath’s record is already living up to that of his forebears, with nine wins from 12 starts, including four G1s, three of them registered this year. His other win at the highest level came in last year’s G1 Grosser Preis Von Baden.