ABOUT to embark on his new career at Nunnery Stud, Baaeed received the evening’s premier equine accolade, the Cartier Horse of the Year Award, and was also crowned the Cartier Older Horse following an outstanding season that saw the son of a former Cartier Horse of the Year, Sea The Stars, annex four Group 1 races.

Angus Gold, racing manager for Shadwell, said: “On behalf of Sheikha Hissa and her family I would just like to thank Cartier, Laurent Feniou and his team. It’s amazing that here we are for the 32nd year. As Chris [Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud] rightly said, we never take for granted your support of our industry and we thank you so much for giving us another wonderful night here tonight to honour our champions.”

He added: “As you all know, (Baaeed) had a great turn of foot, but an extraordinary temperament, the most positive, charming character. He was the ultimate professional and made everybody’s job so much easier. And finally, if I may, just to thank the man who made it all possible, who sadly wasn’t here in person to see the horse race.

“As a lot of you here will know, Sheikh Hamdan adored his breeding, absolutely passionate. He used to get films of all his foals and yearlings sent to him in Dubai and he would sit there late at night and watch them all, then ring the stud managers the next day either to praise them or criticise for something. He loved it from the bottom up.

“He would have been so proud of this horse. It’s the culmination of his life’s work in racing and breeding. And he would have been very proud of Sheikha Hissa and his family who have taken on his mantle, so I would like to dedicate this award to Sheikh Hamdan.”

Gold received the Cartier Older Horse award from the Royal Ballet’s principal dancer Kim Parker.

Trainer William Haggas also paid tribute to the colt, and to his wife Maureen. He said: “I would like to reiterate what a marvellous temperament the horse had, what a fantastic turn of foot he had and he was a privilege to train. Although it was tough, it was a hugely enjoyable experience.

“I would just like to finally say a big thank you to my darling wife, who has had a horrendous year. She puts in so much effort, so much graft and deserves to be here, not me. Thank you, darling.”