GOODWOOD, UK – Wearing her late father’s brooch pinned to her robe, Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum salutes the horse that has become, for her, more than simply the best racehorse in the world. .
Being the undefeated Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) won back for the ninth time, she said, “[He’s in] every conversation, every conversation. He is part of my life now. My father bred him. It’s been a process of 40 years, maybe even longer, so it just feels so comfortable and it’s great to have a horse like him. I’m very lucky “.
Sheikha, along with friends and family and Angus Gold and Richard Hills’ longstanding Shadwell racing team, watched the 4-year-old pony declare her fifth consecutive Group 1 victory on the big screen during the parade ring of Goodwood, with a standing ovation. stood up from her entourage as Baaeed descended across the line. A long-time favorite, the William Haggas-trained pony, always ready and comfortable in the preliminary round, made it seem very simple: the best horse in the race had a perfect run before being pulled straight by Jim Crowley. and fly home to win.
It was a scene that must have played out countless times in the minds of those closest to him but nothing in the race could be taken for granted, and when Baaeed was clearly meant to win, The tension between the Shadwell camp seemed to have vanished. hugs and handshakes were exchanged.
Sheikha Hissa confessed: “I was very nervous but it was a pleasure to meet him. “We thought he was going to miss this race and go straight to York but we kept him here and it went well, but I will always be worried.”
Although crowds seemed a bit thinner during the first two days at Goodwood, the floors around the parade ring were packed both before and after the G1 Qatar Sussex S. world.
“It is heartwarming to see people loving this horse. I feel it’s a win for everyone really,” his owner said after Baaeed had forced those who turned to see him by evoking another victory. This is his second at Glorious Goodwood after last year’s win at G3 Thoroughbred S., the last time he was seen at anything other than top-level company. His next appearance will be a foray into uncharted territory as he steps on ten coats for G1 Juddmonte International S. in York.
Sheikh Hissa said: “Definitely a mile and a quarter, and confirmed that Baaed will be required to race the distance he has conquered again and again with ease. “He’s ready and I can’t wait to see it.”
She added, “It’s lovely to see a horse trying and having its ears perked all the time. We discussed whether to run him in Sussex last year but I said “no”, we don’t want to rush it. So now he’s back and he’s won Sussex and I’m so happy.”
Sheikha Hissa is all too aware of the legacy of her father’s bloodline empire, which over four decades has been responsible for 19 European Classic winners from the original winner in the UK in July 1980. The cornerstone of the broodmare band’s activity from its earliest days is Fashion Height (Fr) (Bustino {GB}), whose high-achieving descendants include Derby, 2,000 Guineas, and winner King George Nashwan (The Groom blushes), and her influence is still felt through her fifth generation descendant, Baaeed. The continuity of the bloodline could provide a foundation of another form for Sheikha Hissa’s tenure under Shadwell with Baaeed’s eventual equine career.
It is a situation alluded to by William Haggas, and Angus Gold, Sheikh Hamdan’s track manager for 25 years who is now performing the same role for his daughter, spoke of the importance of the race. Baaeed for a new look, slimmer than Shadwell.
“From a livestock point of view, he is now a valuable proposition. We have a new, fledgling operation and for Sheikha Hissa and her family he is very important to that,” said Gold. “If we’re lucky, we’ll have him in 16, 17, or many more years, much longer if all goes well. And if he is a successful stallion he is so vital to our performance that we need him more for breeding than for racing, I would imagine, but that is not the case. is my decision clear. We will see what the family decides.”
He also wants Baaeed to try a new distance.
Gold said, “He is very comfortable in his racing style so he will give himself every opportunity to achieve it. Jim [Crowley] said just now that when he walked towards the line and heard the cheers of the crowd, he just pricked his ears and almost stood up. I don’t understand why he can’t go further, and I would be surprised if his lack of fitness can beat him.”
As Sheikha Hissa applauded her champion’s departure from the winner’s encirclement and the presentations completed, Gold admitted a sense of relief after Baaeed once again maintained her spotless record. me.
“For me, almost the most special thing is that it is the culmination of all Sheikh Hamdan’s work in trying to create an absolute champion,” he added. “In the early days we were lucky with Nashwan and Dayjur and some really good horses, but this horse is a fifth generation cross from the Height Of Fashion who he loved and took him away with. Early in the breeding world, so to have this 40 Years Onward Horse is really special. I am deeply moved for Sheikha Hissa, and for her family. They had a hard time last year without him, and for this horse to appear out of nowhere, it was almost as if he was sent. “
