Where did it go wrong for Baaeed as his sublime career ends in defeat?

Baaeed suffered the first defeat of his sensational career in his final outing when he finished only fourth behind Bay Bridge in the Champion Stakes at Ascot. Where did it go wrong for the previously unbeaten superstar?

Was the ground to blame?

William Haggas seemed convinced the ground at Ascot – officially described as good to soft, soft in places but reported to be slower by riders – would not stop his pride and joy in Saturday's Champion Stakes, but it was the first thing jockey Jim Crowley latched on to.

Crowley was understandably downbeat after the race, in which Baaeed suffered his first defeat in 11, and had little doubt the conditions prevented the star four-year-old from excelling.

Baaeed (right) was not able to showcase his explosive paceCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Shadwell homebred had won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Ascot's card 12 months ago on good to soft – a surface on which he also won the Moulin last season.

Weighing room colleague Robert Havlin said before the Fillies & Mares Stakes – the day's third race – the ground was soft and Haggas was offered a chance to add weight to Crowley's theory by ITV's Oli Bell, but did not bite.

The Newmarket trainer reflected it was a contest that just did not go the way of his star. "It wasn't his day today," he said.

Was the draw a factor?

There was a suggestion the colt's draw in stall one of nine was a negative, but the Baaeed who demolished his rivals in York's International Stakes last time could have probably come from the Tesco Express on Ascot High Street and still won.

William Haggas greets Jim Crowley as Baaeed exits the racecourse for the final timeCredit: Edward Whitaker

He had been off for 59 days since his best performance, but it would be nonsense to suggest fitness was an issue given the stable he hails from, while Luke Harvey, who was at the start for ITV Racing reckoned connections could not have been happier with how Baaeed behaved and looked on his way to post and immediately before the race.

What about his schedule?

It is hard to think his schedule, which featured the Lockinge, Queen Anne, Sussex Stakes and the International, was to blame. But although York was easy on the eye, big efforts can leave their mark.

That might be clutching at straws but, as the old cliche has it, horses are not machines, even if, at times, Baaeed looked like one.

Champions Day:

'It was ground, simple as that' - Baaeed's unbeaten record ended by Bay Bridge

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'I'm not retiring!' - Dettori doubles up after emphatic Emily Upjohn Ascot win

'It was a proper battle' - Trueshan holds on to complete Champions Day hat-trick

Ascot erupts as Frankie Dettori and Kinross cruise home in Champions Sprint

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