All options – including the Arc – open to Baaeed following York cruise

PA Sport Reporters
August 18, 2022 2:38 pm

Leopardstown’s Irish Champion Stakes another race added to the mix.

Twenty four hours on from Baaeed’s scintillating performance in the Juddmonte International and two unexpected options have added a twist to the autumn of his career.

It has long been stated Ascot’s British Champions Day would be the scene of his farewell performance – most probably for the Champion Stakes.

But now the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10 has come into the reckoning, should it be felt the unbeaten colt needs a run before Ascot on October 15. And having looked a remote possibility, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has now been talked about.

Baaeed enjoys a victory lap of the parade rIng (PA)

Speaking to ITV Racing on Thursday afternoon, Haggas said: “I was thrilled to bits, I watched it home last night with Maureen (Haggas) and it was a great watch.

“Ultimately the decision is with Sheikha Hissa and I’m sure it (Arc) will be discussed and every option is open – it’s got to be after what he did yesterday.

“We’ll see what evolves. I think the only chance of seeing him more than once (before retirement) is if he doesn’t go for the Arc and goes Irish Champion and Champion. I think you’ll only see him once (more) in England, but as I say it’s not my decision. We’ll discuss it and as long as the horse is OK all options are still open.”

Wednesday had seen the four-year-old extended his unbeaten record to 10, making a seamless transition to a mile and a quarter for the first time and dishing out a six-and-a-half-length beating to defending champion Mishriff.

Bookmakers immediately started offering short odds about Baaeed for the 12-furlong Arc in October, but both Haggas and Sheikha Hissa were cool on the proposal immediately after the race.

Sheikha Hissa with Baaeed at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Haggas has long had his sights set on the Qipco Champion Stakes as Baaeed’s career finale, but his entry in the Royal Bahrain-backed Irish equivalent gives connections a further opportunity should they decide the son of Sea The Stars wants another run.

Earlier on Thursday Haggas told Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast: “He seems fine, he’s trotted up good – he’s lost a bit of weight but we’re happy with him and very proud.

“Ultimately it is not my decision (where Baaeed runs). The horse doesn’t belong to me, the horse is trained by us and it’s Sheikha Hissa’s decision and I’m sure we’ll talk about it again because lots of people will be trying to convince Angus (Gold, racing manager) and Sheikha Hissa that the Arc is the right way forward.

“I’m open to suggestions, that’s always been our plan to go to Ascot but plans can change. I’m not saying for a minute they’re going to, but the only thing I will say is it’s nearly two months now to Champions Day and that’s quite a long time.”

Of the 10-furlong Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10, Haggas added: “That’s the perfect fit if he was to have another race, so that’s obviously open for discussion.

“He’s in the race and we’ll just see what happens but he’d have to be in pretty rude health to be going to Ireland, so we shall see.”

Baaeed and Jim Crowley in the York parade ring (PA)

On the prospect of the Arc, Gold told Sky Sports Racing: “It was always William’s plan to end up at Ascot. Obviously there was a lot of talk about the Arc yesterday and would we consider that.

“I spoke to Sheikha Hissa briefly after the race and asked if she would even be thinking of the Arc, but she said she thought it best to stick to William’s plan and end up at Ascot so for the moment we’ll stick with that.

“I’m sure she will talk to her family when she gets home and there’ll be another discussion, but that is what she said yesterday and unless William changes his mind I’m sure that is what she’ll want to do.”

Baaeed has been awarded a rating of 135 following his International romp, putting him behind only the legendary Frankel (140) and his sire Sea The Stars (136) since the rankings began 18 years ago.

The British Horseracing Authority’s head of handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill said: “I will be raising Baaeed 7lb from 128 to 135 for his success in the Juddmonte International yesterday – a figure only bettered by Frankel and Sea The Stars since the inception of the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings in 2004.”

He added a full explanation of the rating will be published next week.