Ghaiyyath assumed Enable’s Eclipse Stakes (10f) mantle with a dominant front running performance at Sandown Park on Sunday.
Although a step or three slow into stride, Ghaiyyath (pic: PA) was in his expected position at the head of affairs after one furlong and enjoyed an uncontested lead, one which William Buick exploited to the full.
Buick gradually increased the tempo approaching the final turn and Ghaiyyath was never headed as he added his second successive Group 1 victory this year following last month’s success in the Coronation Cup at Newmarket.
Enable, winner of this race last year and running for the first time since finishing a gallant second in last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, was held up off the pace by Frankie Dettori and could never get to the winner – eventually beaten 2-1/4 lengths with Japan a head away third.
Trainer Charlie Appleby told ITV Sport Ghaiyyath is a stable favourite.
“I am delighted. He’s a horse that has always been a yard favourite and we have always held him in high esteem,” Appleby said.
“I’m delighted and congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the team at Godolphin. He’s a horse we’ve held in the highest esteem and he’s delivered again. It was a fantastic ride by William again.
“I wondered, when they came to him in the straight, how much he’d done early, but he wears his heart on his sleeve and was never going to lie down.
“We just want to enjoy today. It’s a great effort and it was a great run from Enable too; it was a great race for everybody to watch.”
Buick was equally effusive.
“Last year was in and out for him – he had some fantastic performances and some disappointments due to circumstances,” Buick said.
“That was a great performance and from a rider’s point of view he’s becoming more manageable and grown up. He’s an amazing horse to ride.
“This ranks right up there. I thought this week that this could be billed as the race of the season. You look at the horses that lined up and it’s a great line-up. This is a great horse, as you saw, but we have great respect for Enable, who I’m sure will be back to what she does best.”