Baaeed will not run in what is believed to be Europe’s greatest race after the connections decided to skip the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) and instead take the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) in Ascot.
The undefeated child of Sea The Stars will need to be added to the Arc by owner/breeder Shadwell at a cost of €120,000 ($139,200).
The late Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum of the outfit that never won the highlight Longchamp and his daughter Sheikha Hissa were scheduled to speak with coach William Haggas in Baaeed’s Newmarket this week about their plans. plan. A decision emerged on September 14 that the Ascot prize, always Haggas’ first intention, was taken up top as a preferred choice.
Before the news, Baaeed, perfect in 10 races, was a 9-4 favorite by Coral for the Arc, while the company left him with 1-3 for Champion Stakes, which took place on October 15.
Ricky Hall, Baaeed’s devoted groom, put the 4-year-old star through his paces Wednesday morning in Newmarket, after which his camp came to the conclusion that he would not be competing for the Arc, a contest Racing is considered by many to be the best and most prestigious in the world.
Haggas said: “After consulting with Sheikha Hissa and her team, we have decided that Baaeed’s final match will be Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 15.
“He played very well at Juddmonte International (G1) and it was right that we explored all the options. In particular, I wanted to keep him for a mile and a half, so Champion Stakes was the logical solution. only.
“I understand a lot of people will be disappointed that he didn’t run in the Arc, but we can’t do both and Ascot won’t.”
Haggas has made no secret throughout the season that finishing on Championship Day is his favorite, but Baaeed’s stellar performance at the Juddmonte International in York meant that the Arc, held for more than a mile and a half, was on the cards. discussed as a possible parting moment before the special pony retires to stud.
However, the £1.3m Champion ($1,508,000) bonus is where, if health permits, he will bow his head as the race’s winning prize is worth £733,230 ($855,187) USD) could come in handy in Haggas’ bid for the first coach title.
In the absence of Baaeed, the impressive winner of last weekend’s Irish Champion Stakes (G1) Luxembourg is the new Arc favorite with a score of 4-1 against Coral, with Alpinista coming in second in the market with a score of 5-1.
