Ghaiyyath galloped his rivals into submission in a ruthless front-running display winning Wednesday’s Group 1 Juddmonte International (10.5f) at York.
Winner of the Coronation Cup and Eclipse Stakes on his previous two starts, William Buick settled the Godolphin-owned entire on the lead as soon the stalls opened and never looked in any danger.
Buick upped up the tempo fully three furlongs out and none of his rivals threatened to respond, Magical battling on well for second three lengths further back ahead of Lord North and Kameko, who flattered briefly before weakening inside the final furlong.
It is the fourth win at the highest level for the Charlie Appleby-trained Ghaiyyath, pictured winning the Eclipse Stakes.
“I’m delighted with that performance today. To have a horse like that on our hands is an honour,” Appleby told ITV Racing.
“A fantastic ride by William – it was a nice race to watch. He got into a lovely rhythm and I knew coming up the straight, once I saw William gather him up and change his hands, I was confident he would gallop on strongly to the line.”
Buick described Ghaiyyath as the best he has ridden.
“This horse can do all the things most horses can’t. His high cruising speed, the way he keeps going and at the business end he has another gear just to finish the race off completely,” Buick said.
“I love him. He’s a high-class horse and he’s now got everything on his CV. He’s beaten the best around at this trip.
“He’s obviously very good at a mile and a quarter. He stays a mile and a half. It’s going to be interesting to see if he’ll get an end-of-season target like the Arc. I don’t know.
“His highness Sheikh Mohammed and Charlie will decide what’s best for the horse. As long as the ground isn’t bad, I’m sure the Arc would be an interesting target for him. He’s the best I’ve ridden without a doubt.”