Ghaiyyath

Ghaiyyath is a bay horse with a white star and a white sock on his left hind leg bred in Ireland by the County Kildare-based Springbank Way Stud. As a foal in November 2015 he was offered for sale at Goffs and was bought for €1,100,000 by John Ferguson on behalf of Godolphin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/bloodstock/sales/catalogues/3/2015-11-16?lot=1129|work=Racing Post|title=Goffs November Foals 2015 Lot 1129}} The colt was sent into training with Charlie Appleby at Godolphin's British base at Newmarket, Suffolk.

He was sired by Dubawi, whose wins included the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Prix Jacques Le Marois. At stud, Dubawi has been a highly-successful breeding stallion, siring major winners such as Monterosso, Al Kazeem, Makfi, Lucky Nine and Night of Thunder.{{cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/profile/horse/589690/dubawi |title=Dubawi Stud Record |publisher=Racing Post |date=2012-02-15 |access-date=2013-06-19}} Ghaiyyath's dam Nightime was a top-class performer who won the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2008 and went on to produce several other winners including the Man o' War Stakes winner Zhukova. Nightime's dam Caumshinaun, who produced seven other winners, was a successful racemare who won five races including the Listed Platinum Stakes in 2001.{{cite web|url=https://beta.racingpost.com/profile/horse/513681/caumshinaun/form|title=Caumshinaun – Race Record & Form|publisher=Racing Post}} She was a distant descendant of the British broodmare Springtime (foaled 1932), the ancestor of numerous major winners including Blakeney, Morston and Classic Cliche.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodlines.net/TB/Families/Family20c.htm |title=Palmflower – Family 20-c |publisher=Thoroughbred Bloodlines |access-date=2012-05-12}}

Ghaiyyath made his racecourse debut on 15 September in a maiden race over one mile at Doncaster Racecourse in which he started the 6/5 favourite but finished third behind Blue Laureate and Sha La La La Lee. Thirteen days later the colt was equipped with a hood when he went off favourite for a similar event at Newmarket Racecourse. Ridden as on his debut by James Doyle he led from the start and went clear in the last quarter mile to win "easily" by five lengths.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/38/newmarket/2017-09-28/683603|title=British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes result |publisher=Racing Post|date=28 September 2017}} William Buick took the ride when the colt was stepped up in class to contest the Group 3 Autumn Stakes over one mile at Newmarket on 14 October and started the 11/4 second favourite behind the John Gosden-trained Bear Slam. After racing in mid-division he struggled to obtain a clear run in the last quarter mile but broke through to take the lead in the closing stages and won by one and three quarter lengths from Dream Today with two and a half lengths back to Bear Slam in third.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/38/newmarket/2017-10-14/684407|title=Autumn Stakes result|publisher=Racing Post|date=14 October 2017}} Buick commented "He bunny-hopped out of the stalls and I wanted to be closer than what I was but they went a nice gallop and he travelled sweet throughout and won well in the end.He gave me a nice feel. He's a big horse who is going to be better next year."{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/racing/ghaiyyath-powers-to-victory-in-autumn-stakes|title=Ghaiyyath powers to victory in Autumn Stakes|date=14 October 2017|website=www.itv.com}}

In early 2018 Ghaiyyath was considered a serious contender for the Epsom Derby,{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/racing/news/12040/11218075/ghaiyyath-team-eye-investec-derby-glory|title=Ghaiyyath team eye Investec Derby glory|date=22 January 2018|publisher=Sky Sports}} but after sustaining a training injury when being prepared for a run in the Dante Stakes he was off the track until the autumn of 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/20-1-chance-ghaiyyath-set-to-miss-derby-assignment/331774|work=Racing Post|title=20-1 chance Ghaiyyath set to miss Derby assignment|first=Lee|last=Mottershead|date=16 May 2018}} On 22 September he made his return in the Prix du Prince d'Orange over 2000 metres at Longchamp Racecourse and started the 1.9/1 favourite in a seven-runner field. With Buick in the saddle he raced in second place behind his pacemaking stablemate Stage Magic before going to the front 300 metres from the finish and pulling clear to win by three lengths from Sacred Life.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/211/longchamp/2018-09-22/712484|title=Prix du Prince d'Orange result |publisher=Racing Post|date=22 September 2018}}

Ghaiyyath spent the winter of 2018/19 at Godolphin's base in Dubai. On 7 April, he began his third campaign in the Group 3 Prix d'Harcourt over 2000 metres at Longchamp and started the 7/10 favourite against four opponents headed by the Prix Jean Prat winner Intellogent. He took the lead from the start and opened up a big advantage over his rivals before being eased down in the closing stages to win by one and a half lengths from Soleil Marin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/211/longchamp/2019-04-07/727015|title=Prix d'Harcourt result |publisher=Racing Post|date=7 April 2019}} Appleby commented "I am delighted with that performance – he is a horse with a future... Ghaiyyath is a very strong galloper. If something could go faster than him, then we would let them go on, but nothing can give him a lead because he is such a strong traveller".{{Cite web|url=https://www.godolphin.com/news/ghaiyyath-storms-home-in-g2-prix-d-harcourt|title=Ghaiyyath storms home in G2 Prix d'Harcourt|date=7 April 2019|website=Godolphin}} Three weeks later at the same track the colt was moved up to Group 1 level for the first time and started the 1/2 favourite for the Prix Ganay over 2100 metres and sustained his first defeat in over eighteen months as he came home third behind Waldgeist and Study of Man.

After four months off the track Ghaiyyath made his comeback in Germany on 1 September when he started 2.3/1 second favourite for the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden over 2400 metres. The three-year-old colt Laccario headed the betting after winning the Deutsches Derby while the other seven runners included Communique (Princess of Wales's Stakes), Ashrun (Prix de Reux), Accon (Frühjahrs Dreijährigen-Preis) and Donjah (Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen). Ghaiyyath led from the start and extended his lead in the straight to finish fourteen lengths clear of Donjah in second, despite being eased down by Buick in the final strides.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/207/baden-baden/2019-09-01/739225|title=Grosser Preis von Baden result |publisher=Racing Post|date=1 September 2019}} After the race Buick said "He's a monster, an absolute monster. Let's hope that he'll be around for a while. He's an amazing horse".{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/235531/ghaiyyath-romps-in-stunning-grosser-preis-von-baden-win|title=Ghaiyyath Romps in Stunning Grosser Preis von Baden Win|first=Martin|last=Stevens|date=1 September 2019|website=The Blood-Horse}}

On 6 October Ghaiyyath started 13/1 fourth favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over 2400 metres on very soft ground at Longchamp. He led the race until 500 metres from the finish but then tired and dropped back rapidly to come home tenth of the twelve runners, more than thirty lengths behind the winner Waldgeist.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/211/longchamp/2019-10-06/736533|title=Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe result|publisher=Racing Post|date=6 October 2019 }}

In the 2019 World's Best Racehorse Rankings Ghaiyyath was given a rating of 126, making him the 5th best racehorse in the world.{{cite web|url=https://www.ifhaonline.org/resources/WTRRankings/LWBRR.asp?batch=71 |title=The 2019 World Thoroughbred Rankings |publisher=IFHA |access-date=2020-01-22}}

As in the previous season Ghaiyyath spent the winter of 2019/20 in Dubai and began his campaign on 20 February when he started 4/9 favourite for the Group 3 Dubai Millennium Stakes (a race named after his grandsire) over 2000 metres at Meydan Racecourse, with the best of his six opponents looking to be Spotify (winner of the race in 2019) and Desert Encounter (Canadian International Stakes). Ghaiyyath led from the start and won "easily" by eight and a half lengths in a track record time of 2:00.33.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/1231/meydan/2020-02-20/751975|title=Dubai Millennium Stakes result|publisher=Racing Post|date=20 February 2020 }} Appleby commented I'm delighted. We've all seen what this horse can do, especially coming up his first start, there... The plan was to just let him float into the race from his outside post and once he was on the lead, we would let him roll along. We've seen on numerous occasions what he can do when he's left to his own devices like that."{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingtv.com/news/ghaiyyath-impresses-in-meydan-return|title=Dubai Sheema Classic next for Ghaiyyath after breaking Meydan track record|date=20 February 2020|website=Racing TV}} Ghaiyyath was scheduled to contest the Dubai Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup Night in March but the meeting was abandoned owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The flat racing season in Europe was rearranged in response to the COVID outbreak and the Group 1 Hurworth Bloodstock Coronation Cup was run over one and a half miles at Newmarket (rather than Epsom) on 5 June. With Buick in the saddle Ghaiyyath started the 11/10 favourite in a seven runner field which also included Stradivarius, Anthony Van Dyck, Defoe and Desert Encounter. Ghaiyyath went to the front from the start, opened up a clear advantage by half way and was never seriously challenged, coming home two and a half lengths clear of Anthony Van Dyck.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/38/newmarket/2020-06-05/757524|title=Coronation Cup result|publisher=Racing Post|date=5 June 2020 }} The winning time of 2:25.89 was a new course record. Appleby commented "He was on it from flagfall but I could see he was in a rhythm we'd seen before. His mid-race move just kills them and it's great for him to get his first British Group 1 win. We had a lot of confidence that we had him in a condition that we haven't seen before. His strength is there and the way he was finishing off his gallops suggested he was the finished article."{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/no-stopping-outstanding-ghaiyyath-as-godolphin-star-makes-all-in-coronation-cup/436198|work=Racing Post|title=Shades of Frankel as Ghaiyyath breaks course record in Coronation Cup romp|first=David|last=Milnes|date=5 June 2020}}

On 5 July at Sandown Park Ghaiyyath was dropped back in distance and started 9/4 second favourite behind Enable for the ten furlong Eclipse Stakes. The other five contenders were Japan, Deirdre, Magic Wand (Mackinnon Stakes), Regal Reality (Brigadier Gerard Stakes) and Bangkok. Ghaiyyath led from the start as usual, accelerated three furlongs out and won "comfortably" by two and a quarter lengths and a head from Enable and Japan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/54/sandown/2020-07-05/761020|title=Eclipse Stakes result|publisher=Racing Post|date=5 July 2020 }} After the race William Buick said "He's got a huge cruising speed and he knows how to use it. He's a joy to ride and a very, very good horse. As a five-year-old he's mature physically and mentally... I think a mile and a quarter will be his optimum trip... Sometimes when you ride him over a mile and a half you're always worried the last furlong is going to be a long one, but he keeps going."{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/53293564|title=Ghaiyyath beats Enable in Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown|date=5 June 2020|website=BBC}} Shortly after the race Ghaiyyath was rated the best horse in the world in the interim edition of the World Rankings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/242226/coral-eclipse-winner-ghaiyyath-tops-world-rankings|title=Coral-Eclipse Winner Ghaiyyath Tops World Rankings|date=9 July 2020|website=The Blood-Horse}}

Ghaiyyath returned for the International Stakes over ten and a half furlongs at York Racecourse on 15 August and went off the 11/8 favourite against four opponents namely Magical, Lord North, Kameko and Rose of Kildare (Musidora Stakes). He established a clear lead soon after the start and was never seriously challenged, winning by three lengths from Magical despite being eased down in the closing stages.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/107/york/2020-08-19/761916|title=International Stakes result|publisher=Racing Post|date=15 August 2020 }} Buick commented "He has this amazing high cruising speed, but I thought what was evident today was the kick he had a furlong and a half out. He completely put the race to bed, finished it off, and stamped his authority. He can do things that other horses don't do. He gives you confidence. His comfort zone is different to other horses... He's the best I've ridden, without a doubt".{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/242924/ghaiyyath-dominates-in-juddmonte-international|title=Ghaiyyath Dominates in Juddmonte International|first=Lee|last=Mottershead|date=15 August 2020|website=The Blood-Horse}}

On 12 September at Leopardstown Racecourse Ghaiyyath went off the 8/13 favourite for the Irish Champion Stakes over ten furlongs. He led from the start as usual but was overtaken by Magical a furlong from the finish and beaten three quarters of a length into second place.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/results/187/leopardstown/2020-09-12/762021|title=Irish Champion Stakes result|publisher=Racing Post|date=12 September 2020 }} Buick offered no excuses and said that the horse "was in the same rhythm as usual."{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/twice-a-champion-magical-downs-ghaiyyath-in-epic-irish-champion-stakes-battle/450128|title=Magical eyeballs Ghaiyyath and gets her revenge in epic Irish Champion Stakes|first=David|last=Jennings|date=12 September 2020|website=Racing Post}}

Ghaiyyath was aiming for the 2020 Breeders' Cup, but in preparation for the race, after a piece of routine work, he showed signs of soreness behind. After veterinary investigation, the decision to retire him was announced on 19 October. Appleby commented "Ghaiyyath has had a fantastic career... His high-class cruising speed and relentless style of galloping was a joy to watch and as I have said before, this year he came together both physically and mentally and looked the finished article. It is obviously disappointing not to be taking him to the Breeders' Cup but the exertions of a long season, which started in Dubai in January, were starting to show."{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/bloodstock/ghaiyyath-retired-to-kildangan-stud-after-muscle-soreness-following-work/455495|title=Ghaiyyath retired to Kildangan Stud after muscle soreness following work|first=Kitty|last=Trice|date=19 October 2020|website=Racing Post}}

On 19 November Ghaiyyath was named Horse of the Year and Champion Older Horse at the Cartier Racing Awards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/latest/ghaiyyath-gets-cartier-coronation-after-being-crowned-horse-of-the-year/460154|work=Racing Post|title=Ghaiyyath gets Cartier coronation after being crowned Horse of the Year|date=19 November 2020|first=Matt|last=Rennie}} In the 2020 World's Best Racehorse Rankings, Ghaiyyath was rated the best racehorse in the world, four pounds clear of the American colt Authentic.{{cite web|url=https://www.ifhaonline.org/resources/WTRRankings/LWBRR.asp?batch=76 |title=The 2020 World Thoroughbred Rankings |publisher=International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities |access-date=2021-01-26}} Timeform rated him at a 133, making Ghiayyath the highest rated horse in Europe and the world.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/features/global-rankings/2020-timeform-global-rankings-852020|title=Timeform Global Rankings 2020|date=26 March 2021}}

Ghaiyyath was retired from racing to stand as a breeding stallion at Kildangan Stud in 2021 at a fee of €30,000. He also shuttled to Australia for their breeding season where he stands at Northwood Park in Victoria at a fee of AUD 27,500.{{Cite web|url=https://www.darley.com.au/stallions/our-stallions/ghaiyyath|title = Ghaiyyath | Australia}}

{{Pedigree

|name = Ghaiyyath (GB), bay horse, 2015

|inf =

|f = Dubawi (IRE)
2002

|m = Nightime (IRE)
2003

|ff = Dubai Millennium (GB)
1996

|fm = Zomaradah (GB)
1995

|mf = Galileo (IRE)
1998

|mm = Caumshinaun (IRE)
1997

|fff = Seeking the Gold (USA)

|ffm = Colorado Dancer (IRE)

|fmf = Deploy

|fmm = Jawaher (IRE)

|mff = Sadler's Wells (USA)

|mfm = Urban Sea (USA)

|mmf = Indian Ridge

|mmm = Ridge Pool

|ffff = Mr. Prospector

|fffm = Con Game

|ffmf = Shareef Dancer (USA)

|ffmm = Fall Aspen (USA)

|fmff = Shirley Heights

|fmfm = Slightly Dangerous (USA)

|fmmf = Dancing Brave (USA)

|fmmm = High Tern

|mfff = Northern Dancer (CAN)

|mffm = Fairy Bridge

|mfmf = Miswaki

|mfmm = Allegretta (GB)

|mmff = Ahonoora (GB)

|mmfm = Hillbrow (GB)

|mmmf = Bluebird (USA)

|mmmm = Casting Couch (GB) (Family: 20-c)

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Cartier Horse of the Year}}

{{Cartier Champion Older Horse}}

Category:2015 racehorse births

Category:Racehorses bred in Ireland

Category:Racehorses trained in the United Kingdom

Category:Thoroughbred family 20-c

Category:Cartier Award winners

Category:European Thoroughbred Horse of the Year