Ghaiyyath took his brilliant winning run to three Group Ones this season by repelling all challengers in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.
Charlie Appleby’s front-runner led throughout once again as he saw off a top-class five-strong field to win by three lengths as the 11/8 favourite, under William Buick.
Ghaiyyath predictably had to contend with the close attendance of outsider Rose Of Kildare in the early stages – and once that hazard was out of the way, he was harried into the final two furlongs by 2000 Guineas winner Kameko and multiple Group 1 heroine Magical.
But none ever closed within two lengths as Appleby’s five-year-old added this success to his Coronation Cup and Coral-Eclipse victories in the past two months.
Magical took second spot, with Lord North eventually staying on past Kameko into third.
Appleby said: “I’m delighted with that. It was straightforward, a great performance and a great front-running ride by William.
“Most importantly, it’s important for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the team to have a horse like this on our hands.
“He’s not let us down this year and as I said right at the start of the year, he’s more the finished article now. I’m just delighted for the whole team.”
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