The eighth renewal of the Al Shaqab-sponsored Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes was run at Newbury, UK on Saturday, May 14th. One of the most exciting racehorses of recent years, the Shadwell Estate Company-owned four-year-old BAAEED (GB) (Sea The Stars x Aghareed) once again stunned spectators with a marvellous display in the Group One contest.
Trained in Newmarket by William Haggas, the unbeaten BAAEED recorded his seventh career success in the 1600m contest, and in doing so, claimed a third success at Group One level.
A race that has housed champions such as FRANKEL (2012), OLYMPIC GLORY (2014) and just last term PALACE PIER, the Jim Crowley-ridden BAAEED travelled with sublime ease throughout the race and could now be targeted at the Group One Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 14th, before possibly stepping up to 2,000m later in the year.
Settling well for his seasonal bow, BAAEED was tucked in behind early leader CHINDIT (Wootton Bassett) through the opening stakes and was flanked on either side by the pair of Group One winning mares, MOTHER EARTH (Zoffany) and ALCOHOL FREE (No Nay Never). Still on the bridle inside the final 400m, BAAEED was sent clear of his eight rivals and coasted to a three and a quarter length victory over the staying on REAL WORLD (Dark Angel), with the early leader CHINDIT claiming third.
“I was quite nervous because everyone in the media keep writing incredibly nice things about the horse”, said winning trainer William Haggas after the race, “He did it nicely, as he should have done. He’ll go to Royal Ascot now and it’s all extremely exciting. We have no solid plans thereafter; we just hope he can win every race we ask him to run in, he’s very special.”
A product of Shadwell Estate’s hugely successful broodmare line, BAAEED is out of AGHAREED (Kingmambo), winner of the Listed Prix Liancourt at ParisLongchamp when trained by John Hammond. Aside from BAAEED, AGHAREED has also produced the Group Two winner HUKUM (Sea The Stars). The second dam, LAHOUDOOD (Singspiel) was a dual Group One winner and took the 2007 Breeders Cup Fillies & Mares.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club