Godolphin globetrotter Benbatl retired to take up stallion duties in Japan

Saeed bin Suroor's longstanding international flagbearer Benbatl has been retired following a lucrative career that spanned five seasons. He will stand as a stallion at Big Red Farm in Japan.

The son of Dubawi registered ten Group-race victories for Godolphin in a career that began with a win in a maiden at Doncaster in 2017.

Benbatl won at Group level at least once during every season in training. His four-year-old campaign in 2018 was undoubtedly his best as he plundered three wins at the highest level across the globe. Kicking off with a win in the Dubai Turf at Meydan, he later landed the Grosser Dallmayr Preis in Germany before a trip to Australia, where he bagged the Caulfield Stakes. He subsequently finished an honourable second to the mighty Winx in the Cox Plate.

Benbatl and Oisin Murphy win the Group 1 Dubai Turf in 2018Credit: Tom Dulat (Getty Images)

In 2020 Benbatl showed his versatility when scoring at Group 2 level on dirt at the Dubai Carnival before finishing third in the Saudi Cup. He was then made favourite to give Bin Suroor a record tenth win in the Dubai World Cup, only for the race to be called off owing to the coronavirus.

In his final season this year Benbatl landed the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket for a second time. His final outing was on Champions Day at Ascot last month, where he finished ninth in the QEII Stakes.

Benbatl retires as Dubawi's top earner, having accrued prize-money in excess of £5.9 million. He is the first foal of Selkirk mare Nahrain, who is a direct descendant of outstanding New Zealand Champion La Mer.

Bin Suroor said: "Benbatl was a great horse for Godolphin. He was the ultimate professional in everything he did, which made him an easy horse to train. Everyone at Godolphin will miss him, but he has a very good pedigree and we're looking forward to seeing how he performs in his new career."

Benbatl career details

Read more on Benbatl:

'Machine' Benbatl delights Oisin Murphy with second Joel Stakes triumph

Benbatl sets up Winx clash with gutsy win at Caulfield

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