One of the world's best middle distance horses Ghaiyyath has been retired to stud by his connections Godolphin after the five year old suffered some soreness after some work on the gallops.
The son of Dubawi was during the start of his career for jet setting all over the globe to win races which saw him land a Group One in Germany by 14 lengths a Group Two in France and also a Group Three in Meydan.
He headed to the Prix de l'arc de Triomphe on his final start last season and didn't run any sort of race but seems to be a completely different animal this term.
This term he looked a different animal starting in the Group One Coronation Cup at Newmarket at the start of June and saw off Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck along with three time Ascot Gold Cup winner Stradivarius, subsequently breaking the track record.
In the first weekend of July he stepped up for another Group One event at Sandown in the Coral Eclipse and although all the talk was about Enable's return, this horse was the one with the headlines after a stunning front running performance.
He stepped up again for the Juddmonte International at York as the favourite to beat and just like the Eclipse he set off in front and could not be caught.
Happy racing retirement, Ghaiyyath!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 19, 2020
🏇 13 runs
🥇 9 wins
🏆 4 Group 1s
🙌 The world's highest-rated racehorse@godolphin @DarleyEurope @DarleyStallions pic.twitter.com/3woAKdoFcD
However, having had a stellar season and being rated the best flat horse in the world, he was handed his first loss of the season when finishing second to the seven time Group One winner Magical in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
After that event Appleby was eyeing up the Champion Stakes or Breeders Cup meeting as possible options for his final race of the campaign but the team made the decision to not race him again and finish his illustrious career now.
He will now head to stud where plenty in the racing world are looking forward to seeing his first crop of offspring and he will stand at Kildangan Stud in Ireland.
(Credit ATR) Appleby said: “Ghaiyyath has had a fantastic career, winning nine of his 13 races.
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, and the decision has been made to retire him.
“He was an outstanding part of the Moulton Paddocks team, and I know that his numerous top-level successes gave our Principal, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, a great deal of pleasure.”