Sheikh Hamdan’s blue and white lightened a sombre summer
Brilliant Battaash led the charge with unbeaten campaign.
One of the many memorable themes of a truncated Flat campaign has been the success enjoyed by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Performances by such stars as Battaash, Mohaather and Nazeef has helped the owner have arguably his best ever season. With five domestic Group Ones, more than 100 winners and a strike-rate of 20 per cent, plus big-race wins abroad, it has been a year to remember for Sheikh Hamdan – albeit one tempered by the effect of the pandemic.“We’ve had a very good year. It’s been as good a year probably as we’ve ever had, at least for 30 years.” Gold reflected on a Flat racing year shortened for obvious reasons but at the same time blessed with many memorable performances, supported by a stern resilience and determined will to keep the show on the road. Racing was suspended from March 18 to June 1 – but just two weeks into the season came Royal Ascot and a first-day treble in the familiar blue and white colours to help light up a dark 2020. “We’ve been very lucky on the track, and it started fantastically well at Ascot. It’s hard enough to get one winner there, but to have six was extraordinary,” said Gold.
🏆 Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) 1610 m, 235.000 GBP, for 3yo+🇬🇧Newmarket
Nazeef (GB)(4M Invincible Spirit – Handassa by Dubawi)J : Jim Crowley T : John GosdenO : Sheikh Hamdan Al MaktoumB :@ShadwellFarm🥈Half Light🥉Cloak Of Spirits pic.twitter.com/jXJCG8NagU — WR1 (@WorldRacing1) October 3, 2020
What a horse!
Battaash – no track record this time but another Group 1 prize for this super sprinter and another Nunthorpe for @cbhills and @ShadwellRacing at @yorkracecourse. And take a bow, Jim Crowley – four from four this afternoon 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/HTQbUpS16N — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 21, 2020
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