Naqeeb, half-brother to the mighty Baaeed, was third on his racecourse bow in the Rekorderlig Premium Fruit Cider Maiden Stakes at Leicester.
The three-year-old is by Nathaniel and out of the mare Aghareed, the same Shadwell-owned dam who produced the superb seven-time Group One scorer.
Also trained by William Haggas, Naqeeb runs in the same silks of Sheikha Hissa’s breeding and racing operation and was the 5-4 favourite under Jim Crowley when taking to the track for the first time.
Hard work over 10 furlongs on soft ground he was third, beaten six and a quarter lengths behind Pam Sly’s Wintercrack and Ryan Potter’s Fazayte.
Shadwell’s Richard Hills said: “He just got very tired quickly in that ground.
Naqeeb prior to his racecourse debut (Adam Morgan/PA)
“He needs better ground, it’s holding and it’s his first time out.
“William’s (horses) will come on for their first run. We’ve been struggling to get on the grass at Newmarket and today, with that holding ground, it just caught him out.”
Sly’s winner was a 20-1 chance in the hands of Kieran O’Neill after two heavily-beaten efforts previously, but defied those odds in good style from the front.
Wintercrack is by Sly’s Speciosa, winner of the 1000 Guineas in 2006 and whose bloodline the trainer has been successfully cultivating since.
“She’ll get a handicap mark now, she’ll only be in the high 60s, they wouldn’t do anything else as she’s had some bad runs,” said Sly.
Wintercrack with connections (Adam Morgan/PA)
“I don’t know why they gave her such a lead. That Kieran’s jolly good, isn’t he?
“All the family from Speciosa, they all want a bit of give, all of them.
“I’ve got them ready early so I could get them out, but they’ll all probably have to have a break in the summer and then come back in the autumn.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/c942e49a-103a-414f-a4c7-178b0fa25d62.jpeg10242048DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-29 15:54:012023-04-29 15:54:01Baaeed’s half-brother Naqeeb beaten on Leicester debut
Baaeed was crowned the world’s highest-rated turf horse at the the 2022 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Awards in London.
The William Haggas-trained superstar also finished second to the imperious Flightline in the overall standings and was handed a rating of 135 which is just 5lb shy of the 140 handed to Frankel in 2012, which makes Baaeed the best turf horse to set foot on a racecourse since Sir Henry Cecil’s unbeaten colt.
Although suffering his only defeat in his final racecourse appearance on Qipco British Champions Day, Baaeed captured the imagination by going unbeaten in his first 10 starts.
Having taken the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on his final start at three, it was Group One action all the way at four and having outlined his credentials to be the standout miler of his generation was tasked with proving so in the Queen Anne Stakes which kicked off Royal Ascot.
“I think before Ascot I was at my most nervous because it is the first race of such a prestigious meeting for us,” explained Haggas when asked about the experience of stewarding such a talent throughout his career.
“He was about 1-6 and everyone expected him to win and things can happen in horse racing.”
He continued: “Fortunately he did win and we’ve had a wonderful journey, much like the owners and trainer of Flightline – but we’ve had our own journey and it has been fantastic.
“I wish I could guarantee it would be repeated but I doubt it will.”
Baaeed received his rating of 135 after his performance in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York where the son of Sea The Stars replicated both his sire and Frankel by taking the 10-furlong event in style.
The man in the saddle that day and for the majority of Baaeed’s career was Jim Crowley, who went on to describe the feeling he got when sauntering to success on the Knavesmire.
🔟 out of 🔟
🏆 Baaeed wins the Juddmonte International Stakes and is still undefeated!
He said: “It was an experience like I’ve never experienced before, it was like everything happened in slow motion.
“He was just a pleasure to ride, there was never a moment’s worry. When I could go between horses and just keep taking a pull and all season I had never really let the handbrake off. I always knew it was there so when I finally did let go, it was a great feeling.
“Just to hear the crowd clapping was unusual. Normally they cheer, but it was just applause and appreciation.”
Jockey Jim Crowley (left), with Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum and trainer William Haggas following his winning ride on Baaeed in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood (Steven Paston/PA)
A Shadwell homebred, Baaeed will now stand as a stallion at the operation’s Nunnery Stud and Richard Hills – a key member of the Shadwell team and closely associated with the horse’s preparations – looked back at his achievements with pride, while also highlighting the comfortable Queen Anne victory as the moment Baaeed fever really began to build.
“The most important thing for us was Royal Ascot,” said Hills. “Sheikha Hissa had never been to Royal Ascot before and we were the first race and nervous.
“Angus (Gold, racing manager) and I weren’t sure whether she should come down to the paddock and of course Baaeed, Jim and William did their stuff. Sheikha Hissa then got to lead the horse in which lifted us all and her.
“The journey started from there all the way through to York. We were very proud of him.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2.69374761-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-01-17 16:34:052023-01-17 16:34:05Baaeed the world’s best on turf – and only Flightline ranked higher
Another year of highs and lows – there was certainly a surprise or two thrown in during 2022. We reflect on a year that saw the deaths of legendary jockey Lester Piggott and the Queen, the crowning of Baaeed as the best British runner since Frankel and a rollercoaster ride for Frankie Dettori, who faces a seminal 2023 after announcing the beginning of the end…
January
Shishkin got the better of Energumene at Ascot (Adam Davy/PA)
:: Crack two-milers Shishkin and Energumene served up a real treat for Ascot racegoers in an epic battle for the Clarence House Chase. Shishkin looked in trouble at one stage, but dug deep after the last to reel in his rival and prevail by a length in a race that really lived up to its billing.
:: On the same afternoon Douvan’s full-brother Jonbon confirmed himself a smart prospect in victory at Haydock.
February
Oisin Murphy was banned for 14 months following a BHA hearing (Nigel French/PA)
:: Three-times champion jockey Oisin Murphy was banned for 14 months after admitting to breaking Covid rules, misleading the British Horseracing Authority and prejudicial conduct, plus two alcohol breaches. The rider, who was also fined £31,111, will not return before February 16, 2023.
March
Rachael Blackmore wrote her name into the history books again (David Davies/PA)
:: Rachael Blackmore secured her place in the record books as she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard A Plus Tard. In another stellar Festival for the rider and trainer Henry de Bromhead, Honeysuckle defended her Champion Hurdle title, while Bob Olinger was a fortunate winner of the Turners Novices Chase as Galopin Des Champs crashed out at the last when miles in front.
:: The Champion Chase rematch between Energumene and Shishkin fell flat, with Shishkin never looking happy and eventually pulled up. The ground was put forward as the obvious reason for his below-par effort in the immediate aftermath, but it later transpired Shishkin was suffering from a rare bone condition.
April
Sam Waley-Cohen enjoys a fairytale finish to his career in the Grand National (David Davies/PA)
:: Amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen enjoyed a fairytale finish to his career as he steered Noble Yeats to a shock 50-1 success in the Randox Grand National. Waley-Cohen bowed out a winner of both the Aintree highlight and the Cheltenham Gold Cup – a feat only a handful of professional jockeys achieve, let alone an amateur.
May
Lester Piggott died at the age of 86 (John Walton/PA)
:: Lester Piggott, the epitome of a racing legend, died aged 86 in Switzerland. An 11-times champion jockey, Piggott won no less than 30 British Classics during his lengthy career in the saddle, steering some true giants of the turf to victory – including nine Derby winners.
:: Charlie Appleby made history as he landed the English, French and Irish 2000 Guineas courtesy of Coroebus, Modern Games and Native Trail.
June
Desert Crown was given a cool ride at Epsom by Richard Kingscote (Tim Goode/PA)
:: Sir Michael Stoute won the Derby for the sixth time, with the Richard Kingscote-ridden Desert Crown oozing class on the Epsom Downs. A subsequent setback ruled him out for the rest of the season, although he is expected to return in 2023.
:: High drama – and long faces – at Royal Ascot, with John Gosden and owner Bjorn Nielsen critical of Frankie Dettori’s ride on Stradivarius in the Gold Cup won by Kyprios.
:: Dettori bounced back to win the Coronation Stakes the following day on Inspiral, but the tension remained palpable and the following week the pair issued a statement in which they agreed to a “sabbatical” in their long-standing partnership.
:: Having missed out on running at Royal Ascot, Trueshan produced a fine weight-carrying performance to win the Northumberland Plate to wide acclaim.
July
Frankie Dettori and John Gosden at Newmarket, after the victory of Mighty Ulysses (Tim Goode/Jockey Club)
:: The much-publicised “sabbatical” did not last too long, and Dettori and Gosden were back together – and winning – with Mighty Ulysses at Newmarket.
:: In the week’s feature – the July Cup – Alcohol Free showed she retained plenty of her old pace to pick up her fourth Group One. The Andrew Balding-trained filly would later sell for 5.4 million guineas at auction.
:: Five meetings were called off due to the unprecedented heatwave that swept the country.
:: Dettori agreed to relinquish the ride on Stradivarius and he was partnered by Andrea Atzeni when he took on Ascot Gold Cup winner Kyprios and Trueshan in the Goodwood Cup. Kyprios came out on top to cement himself as the king of the division.
:: The British Horseracing Authority announced an overhaul of the whip rules – to start in the new year – with disqualification a possibility for winners whose riders have severely contravened the revised regulations and whips are also restricted to the backhand position.
August
Baaeed successfully stepped up at York (Mike Egerton/PA)
:: With nothing left to prove in the mile division, Baaeed stepped up in trip to put his rivals to the sword in the Juddmonte International at York. He thrilled the Knavesmire crowd with his decisive change of gear, leaving defending champion Mishriff – a six-length victor in 2021 – toiling.
September
A tribute on Doncaster’s big screen following the death of the Queen (Tim Goode/PA)
:: Racing mourned the death of the Queen, described as “racing’s greatest friend” by Frankie Dettori. A prominent owner and breeder, both on the Flat and over jumps, the Queen won every Classic except the Derby, in which she came desperately close with Carlton House in 2011. All racing was called off as a mark of respect on September 9 and 10, with the St Leger staged on Sunday.
:: Christophe Soumillon was banned for two months after appearing to elbow Rossa Ryan out of the saddle in a race at Saint-Cloud. The incident also cost him his position as retained rider to the Aga Khan, who terminated the contract a few days later.
October
Alpinista signed off in style with an Arc victory (Alan Crowhurst/PA)
:: Sir Mark Prescott enjoyed the “best day” of his racing life when Alpinista capped a six-race unbeaten run with a gutsy success in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, swooping late for a famous victory in the hands of Luke Morris on what transpired to be her final career start. Soumillon finished second on Vadeni.
:: There was no perfect finale to the career of Baaeed, who was beaten for the first time in the Champion Stakes as Stoute again worked his magic, this time with Bay Bridge.
:: Kevin Manning did enjoy a dream ending to his riding career though, announcing his immediate retirement after riding one last winner for father-in-law Jim Bolger at Galway.
November
Modern Games wins at the Breeders’ Cup once again for William Buick and Charlie Appleby (PA)
:: Appleby proved himself to be the King of Kentucky as he recorded another three Breeders’ Cup victories at Keeneland. Mischief Magic (Juvenile Turf Sprint), Modern Games (Mile) and Rebel’s Romance (Turf) were the Moulton Paddocks scorers.
:: Not to be outdone, there were also three victories for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore who combined to find the scoresheet with Meditate (Juvenile Fillies’ Turf), Victoria Road (Juvenile Turf) and Tuesday (Filly and Mare Turf).
:: However, the star of the show in Lexington was Flightline, who bowed out with an emphatic victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. A 2.5 per cent fractional interest was later sold for $4.6 million.
:: Constitution Hill made a flawless return to action in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, prompting bookmakers to make him an odds-on Champion Hurdle favourite.
December
Frankie Dettori announced his retirement date (Steven Paston/PA)
:: Frankie Dettori surprised the racing world as he announced he would retire from the saddle at the end of 2023. He had already previously said he would go to Santa Anita for the winter and his spell could have got off to a better start, as he bagged three winners from five rides on Boxing Day.
:: Just 24 hours later, Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning rider Davy Russell retired with immediate effect after riding a winner at Thurles.
:: Honeysuckle’s 16-race unbeaten streak was snapped at Fairyhouse as the star mare could finish only third behind Teahupoo and Klassical Dream in the Hatton’s Grace.
:: Bravemansgame lifted the King George VI Chase at Kempton, while Constitution Hill racked up another bloodless success in the Christmas Hurdle.
:: The Leopardstown Christmas Festival belonged to Willie Mullins, with his tally of 13 winners across the four days including a remarkable six-timer on day two. Star novice Facile Vega and Champion Hurdle hopeful State Man were two of his most notable scorers.
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2.1024747-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2022-12-30 11:55:362022-12-30 11:55:36Review of the year – the highs and lows of 2022
William Haggas credits Baaeed as having a “marvellous temperament” and the “all-round package” when reflecting on his stewardship of the superstar during the 2022 season.
Having become only the second horse to down Palace Pier when winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in his final start at three, hopes were high the Shadwell-owned colt could become the sport’s flagship name when he returned to the track at four.
And Baaeed met those expectations with style to become undoubtedly racing’s brightest star during the 2022 Flat season.
He continued his unbeaten streak throughout his first four outings of the campaign, producing breathtaking displays at Newbury, Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, before rubber-stamping his career with a statement victory when upped to 10 furlongs in the Juddmonte International at York.
Although unfortunately beaten in his final outing at Ascot on British Champions Day, Haggas is in little doubt that he oversaw the career of a once-in-a-generation performer and one whose achievements stand equal to some the very best equine talent to step foot on a racecourse.
Jockey Jim Crowley, owner Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum and trainer William Haggas with Baaeed on day two of the Qatar Goodwood Festival following the colt’s win in the Qatar Sussex Stakes (Steven Paston/PA)
“I’ve said it all along that he had a marvellous temperament, which is half the battle when you have a good horse,” said the Newmarket-based handler.
“He had a will to win and he was very easy to handle, he wasn’t difficult in any way. He was very sound and very genuine. He had lots of ability sure, but then lots of horses have ability and few have the all-round package that he had.
“There are plenty of horses that never show their true worth, but he did. He was very talented and he proved it.”
Not one for over-confidence and chest-beating bullishness, Haggas found himself front and centre of the racing media’s focus as Baaeed’s exploits transcended themselves on to the sports pages and into the wider consciousness of the sporting world.
That brought a whole new world of pressure to the doors of Somerville Lodge, something Haggas experienced ahead of Royal Ascot when Baaeed was charged with kicking the meeting off with a bang in the Queen Anne Stakes.
“It was a great pleasure to have him,” he continued. “Before the Queen Anne when he was in really good condition I felt not so much under pressure personally, but I felt it.
“It’s what we train for – to have horses that are 1-6 for Group One races like the Queen Anne – but my god it doesn’t make it any easier, because you’ve got everything to lose and very little to gain. Everyone expects you to win.
“But it is never quite that straightforward. Group One races are very hard to win, you just have to ask any trainer.”
Baaeed was the centre of attention in the paddock before the Juddmonte International (PA)
Having conquered all at a mile, the next task for Baaeed was to prove his stamina and York was highlighted as the perfect spot to take on the challenge of 10 furlongs.
The stage was set for the horse regarded as the best since Frankel to follow in the Sir Henry Cecil-trained great’s footsteps almost 10 years to the day since his own vintage performance on the Knavesmire.
And Baaeed did not disappoint, to the delight of those making the pilgrimage to York, producing a display that his trainer picks out as his favourite in the 11-race career of the brilliant bay.
Haggas said: “The Juddmonte was fantastic because he took his form to a new level.
🔟 out of 🔟
🏆 Baaeed wins the Juddmonte International Stakes and is still undefeated!
“He beat a decent field and beat a very good horse in Mishriff. Who knows if he was at his best but his connections seem to think he was and he beat him easily.
“The way he travelled and the way he appeared on the bridle with a furlong and a half to run was just great.”
That result briefly brought the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe into the equation where the son of Sea The Stars would have had the opportunity to match the exploits of his sire. But the decision was made for the curtain to come down on Baaeed’s career in the Champion Stakes at Ascot.
There was no British Champions Day fairytale though for Baaeed as he got stuck in the Berkshire mud and could only finish fourth to Bay Bridge. Sir Michael Stoute’s underdog playing the roll of party pooper and spoiling the farewell festivities to the disappointment of a deflated Ascot.
It wasn’t to be for Baaeed, the unbeaten run comes to an end in his final race pic.twitter.com/TZxc506gdP
But there is no script to sport and Haggas has no regrets about the way one of the great racehorses of his era bowed out.
“I have absolutely none (regrets),” he said. “The only disappointing day was Ascot, but those things happen in horse racing.
“I thought he’d handle the ground but he couldn’t and he just wasn’t the same horse. His work prior to that had been every bit as good as the rest of the season. Everything was set up for a great run, but it just didn’t happen.
“I know My Prospero couldn’t have beaten him at home at all and he finished third ahead of Baaeed in the race. So I don’t think he was at his best that day.”
Now with the dust settled and Baaeed having departed Somerville Lodge to take up residence at Shadwell’s Nunnery Stud ready to embark on his new career as a stallion, the man who came all so close to overseeing a perfect career is looking ahead to the future.
And although admitting to missing his A-star ally, the hunt to find the next Baaeed appears to have already begun.
He added: “Of course (I miss him) but it’s always the way.
“Just like the headmaster who misses his perfect pupil, he moves on and looks on for the next one as soon as he can. It’s what we have to do and it is all we can do.
“I just hope he has a successful career at stud and we can train lots of his children in the future.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2.69374761-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2022-12-24 10:23:372022-12-24 10:23:37Haggas can look back with pride on Baaeed – the ‘all-round package’
