Enable hailed as 'one of the greatest' after sensational Ascot success

Prince Khalid Abdullah’s achievements as a breeder are widely acknowledged and although the founder of Juddmonte Farms was not present in the winner’s enclosure following Enable’s epic victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes on Saturday, it was clear how much the mare means to his family.

The long-standing owner, who is now 82, is not often sighted at the races nowadays, having watched some of the heroics of his previous superstar Frankel. On occasions, such as when Enable won the King George of two years ago and when Arrogate claimed the Dubai World Cup, he has been represented by his sons.

One of his children, Prince Saud bin Khalid, clearly appeared as thrilled as the rest of the spectators and collected the trophy from Prince Andrew.

"One of the greatest," he replied when asked how special the homebred Enable was. "That was a stellar performance, we expected her to win and to do well, and she did that."

Enable has become one of the most popular horses of modern timesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Juddmonte has become one of the giants of the global bloodstock industry, with its farms in America, France and Britain, and Enable was cheered back to the winner’s enclosure by a league of its hierarchy including UK stud director Simon Mockridge and chief executive Douglas Erskine Crum.

It had not escaped their attention that she was moving up the ladder to nine Group 1 wins and is now just one shy of Frankel’s tally. The champion-turned stallion had given notice of his own ability in his new vocation earlier in the afternoon when his son Elarqam, the 1,600,000gns son of Classic-winning Attraction, claimed the biggest success in his rejuvenated period for Mark Johnston in the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes.

Asked if he shared his father’s passion for racing, which has been built up since the 1970s, Prince Saud replied: "Not like him, but enough to come. I always watch it, I follow it, and I’m very happy."

For perhaps the thousandth time since Enable began her extraordinary Group 1 sweep in the 2017 Investec Oaks, Juddmonte’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe was also asked about her importance.

"It’s very exciting for everyone at Juddmonte, from Prince Khalid and everyone who works for him at Juddmonte," he said. "Prince Khalid just loves the big horses, and that’s what we’re trying to breed. To get so far and do what she’s done, it’s a true honour."

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