'Half a length behind Dayjur' - praise for Battaash ahead of bid for history

3.15 Goodwood
King George Qatar Stakes (Group 2) | 5f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

The fact Angus Gold is prepared to mention Battaash in the same breath as Dayjur says it all.

Gold, long-standing racing manager to Hamdan Al Maktoum, was one of many thousands to have been captivated by the brilliance of his boss’s sprint superstar, who produced a succession of electrifying performances in 1990, including an all-the-way four-length Nunthorpe victory which still sends a tingle through the spine.

The mighty son of Danzig may be best remembered by some for jumping a shadow close home in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Belmont Park, but anyone fortunate enough to have seen his spell-binding York, Haydock or Longchamp performances that year will know they witnessed true greatness.

Dayjur: one of the all-time great sprinters in Sheikh Hamdan's coloursCredit: Edward Whitaker

“I doubt I’ll see a better sprinter than Dayjur in my lifetime,” Gold said. “He was so blisteringly fast; he was just dynamite.

“But Battaash is very, very fast too. He boasts a fantastic record over the last three years, and I’d put him just half a length behind Dayjur.”

Gold added: “I’ve been so lucky to have been involved with two great horses. Battaash is unbeaten in three starts at Goodwood, and is going for his fourth consecutive King George. He’s very special.”

Trainer Charlie Hills agrees, and reports the six-year-old to be in prime form ahead of his attempt at making history.

The winner of 11 of his 21 races, Battaash looked as good as ever when scorching the Royal Ascot turf in the King’s Stand Stakes to slam stablemate Equilateral by two and a quarter lengths last month.

“He’s done a couple of nice pieces of work lately, and I’m really pleased with him,” Hills said. “We’ve had no problems at all since Royal Ascot.

“He has a Group 1 penalty, but is a very special horse. He’s not done a lot wrong during his career.”

His rider Jim Crowley is understandably another huge fan of the horse he affectionately calls ‘the batmobile’.

Battaash: breathtaking around GoodwoodCredit: Edward Whitaker

“Battaash is the fastest horse I’ve ridden by far, he is the batmobile,” Crowley said. “He is a very special horse who has become synonymous with Goodwood and it would mean the world to everyone involved if he can win the race for the fourth time.”

Battaash unleashed a spectacular turn of foot when landing the second of his King George wins two years ago.

After quickening to lead a furlong out he powered four lengths clear of Take Cover to record one of the best victories of his career.

He may never quite touch the public the way Dayjur did, but Battaash is a wonderfully high-class sprinter and a fourth consecutive King George would provide another highlight of what is turning into a fantastic week.

What they say

David Griffiths, trainer of Ornate
He ran third in the race last year and seems in good form. He’ll love the ground and we’d be delighted to get a place.

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Glass Slippers
I'm under no illusions as to the task she faces. She's taking Battaash on at a track where he has a massive record – he has a penalty but he's so electric he'll still be a hard nut to crack. Glass Slippers wasn't helped by the draw when she took him on in the King's Stand but still ran a good race. She's in great form. Some fillies tend to peak at the same time every year and she started to find her best form at this stage last season, winning a Listed race in France, and then getting better into the autumn.

Karl Burke, trainer of Dubai Station
He’s in great form and looks amazing. We’re taking on Battaash, but if he doesn’t perform for any reason we’ve got to be there to take our chance. Realistically we’re looking at a place.

John Quinn, trainer of Liberty Beach
We're very happy with her. Obviously we're running against Battaash, but she loves the track and we're hoping for a good run.

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