'Excitement tinged with sadness' - Angus Gold ready for Baaeed's last dance

Baaeed will hit the racecourse for the final time in the Qipco Champion Stakes (4.00) at Ascot and it will be a bittersweet occasion for Shadwell's long-serving racing manager Angus Gold.

Winning all ten of his career starts, including remarkable successes in the Sussex Stakes and Juddmonte International, Baaeed will bid to sign off with a seventh consecutive Group 1 win.

The four-year-old has taken trainer William Haggas and all of his connections on a unforgettable journey and Gold will be savouring every moment of his last dance.

"It's very exciting," said Gold. "It's obviously tinged with a bit of sadness, if that's the word, because it's the last time we'll see him on the track after the fantastic ride he's taken us on.

"But mostly I'm just excited to see him, like any good horse. That's what we all do it for, to see good horses.

"We're just very lucky that he's in our colours. He's given us so many fantastic days so let's just hope he can do it one more time."

Angus Gold: 'He's given us so many fantastic days so let's just hope he can do it one more time'Credit: Laura Green

Baaeed has followed the same path as the legendary Frankel to end his career and success in the Champion Stakes would emulate the all-time great's victory tour.

His biggest opposition is 2021 Derby hero Adayar, who returned from a prolonged absence at Doncaster last month and could give him plenty to think about.

Blue and white day

Shadwell will warm up for Baaeed's swansong with Eshaada's attempted defence of the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (2.40), and Gold believes she has every chance.

The filly battled on bravely to repel Albaflora 12 months ago and things could be dropping right at the perfect time after a below-par 2022 thus far.

Eshaada (left) wins last year's Fillies & Mares Stakes and is bidding for a repeatCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We've been really, really happy with her," he added. "She seems to be good in the autumn and any rain certainly wouldn't blunt her chances as she loves soft ground. She's been working really well.

"I think they think that coming back to a mile and a half won't hurt, but the main thing is that from her homework she seems very well. She's as good as she's ever been and she'll go there with every chance."

Champions Day card and betting

Read more here . . .

Will it be 11 and out or can 'incredible' Baaeed's retirement party be spoiled?

One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Champions Day

Are there chinks in the armour? Richard Birch analyses the task facing Baaeed (£)

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