'I've been going racing for 50 years and I've never seen anything like that'

Racegoers at York were mesmerised by Baaeed's stunning performance in the Juddmonte International, with many having taken long and sometimes arduous journeys to see racing's brightest star in the flesh.

John Felton, 55, lives near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, which was hit by heavy flooding following severe downpours, but was determined to be part of the buzzing crowd.

"I thought we weren't going to be able to get here given all the rain we had, but I really didn't want to miss him," he said. "What a performance and what a race it was. That was so special and definitely the best I've seen on the track for a long time.

"Luckily I'm staying in Knaresborough tonight with my partner and I'll have a small drink to Baaeed."

For many racegoers, Baaeed's virtuoso performance evoked memories of Frankel's Juddmonte domination ten years ago, including Billy Bolton from Newcastle.

He said: "Baaeed was fantastic. I didn't have a bet in the race, I just wanted to see him win and I was over the moon that he did, and in such style. I was here when Sea The Stars won and Frankel too. It's not knocking him to say that everything is second to Frankel – he's very good."

Jane Whittaker, from near Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, said: "That was just like Frankel. I was here that day and that was amazing, this was like that. It was lovely and so brilliant to see history in the making."

Dan Thomas, from Bradford, is convinced Baaeed will remain unbeaten for the rest of his career.

He said: "That's the best I've seen in the flesh. I love Shadwell horses and he's perfect. No-one can beat him. I don't know who could even get close to him."

Paul Eames, from Derby, said: "That was superb. The way he travelled was incredible. I was here for Frankel and Sea The Stars and the atmosphere today was unbelievable – they were 15 or 20 deep round the parade ring."

Chris Downes, from Lincoln, added: "That was brilliant. I've been going racing for 50 years and I've never seen anything like that. Amazing."

Read more:

'Perfect racehorse' Baaeed cements legendary status in stunning style

Monster Baaeed performance ranks him as second-best turf horse in RPR history

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