Baaeed underlined his status as the best thoroughbred on earth after stretching his unbeaten record to 10 when landing the Juddmonte International Stakes on the opening day of York’s Ebor Festival.
The William Haggas-trained four-year-old never looked troubled under jockey Jim Crowley as he romped home six and-a-half lengths clear of Mishriff when stepping up to the one mile two and-a-half furlong distance for the first time. “It was a spectacular performance and I’m glad that everyone will now believe in him,” Haggas said.
A confident Crowley even switched Baaeed in behind Native Trail and Mishriff with over two furlongs to run, giving himself extra time to prepare his challenge and deliver at the right moment. “I couldn’t believe it,” Crowley said. “I always knew it was there, even from day one when I rode him at Newmarket.
He’s got everything, he’s the perfect racehorse. “I’m not joking He has everything. He's as good as the greats.” Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum alongside Baaeed.