24 July 2021
The 3-year-old colt Adayar achieved a rare double at Ascot (Great Britain) on Saturday. The Godolphin representative family (Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum's racing operation) managed to add the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes to his CV, having also won the Epsom Derby at the beginning of June. Incidentally, this marked his first clash with older horses. The last horse to achieve this double was the great Galileo in 2001. A true champion, who passed away a few weeks ago, he went on to become one of the most influential stallions of the century. He is also the sire of Frankel, the sire of Adayar, who gives every sign of becoming a worthy successor to his father at stud.
Adayar beat the 2020 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club winner Mishriff and the disappointing filly Love. Winning jockey William Buick told British television: « I'm speechless, to be honest. He gives you the feel of endless power and it's a privilege to ride a horse like this because they don't come around very often. Obviously, Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum will make the final decision, but I think that the Arc is a logical target. »
The King George is considered to be the British version of the Arc. Run over the same distance (2,400m) as the coveted French race, it’s a conduit to the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The last horses to complete the King George-Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe double were Enable in 2017, Dylan Thomas in 2007, Lammtarra in 1995 and Dancing Brave in 1986.
Can Adayar add his name to this exalted list? The bookmakers have, in any case, halved his odds for the 3 October feature at Paris-Longchamp. It appeals as a logical step, especially as the 3-year-olds enjoy a 3 kilo (7lb) pull with the older horses. However, Adayar will have to be supplemented if he is to tackle the Arc, as his connections did not enter him for this race when the entries closed on 12 May.
Adayar is not expected to be the only representative from his stable to tackle the big French race: as his stablemate, Hurricane Lane, in the same ownership and an impressive winner of the Grand Prix de Paris on 14 July, also has the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in his sights!