Baaeed will sign off his career in Ascot’s QIPCO Champion Stakes after William Haggas ruled out a career swansong in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
In the wake of the three-year-old’s Juddmonte International success over 10 furlongs at York last month, Haggas had spoken of “a strong chance” that the Sheikha Hissa Al Maktoum-owned Baaeed would step up to a mile and a half for Europe’s middle-distance championship in Paris on October 2.
But the master of Newmarket’s Somerville Lodge said: “After much consultation with Sheikha Hissa and her team, we have decided that Baaeed’s final start will be in the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 15.
“He was very impressive in the Juddmonte International and it was only right that we explored every option, but I – in particular – was keen to keep him at a mile and a quarter.”
Haggas reported Baaeed, the winner of all nine career starts – including five at the highest level – to be “really well” and added: “There are many, I’m sure, who are going to be disappointed that he’s not running in the Arc.
“But we can’t do both and we all feel that it is the right decision for the horse, and so Ascot it will be.”
Owners Shadwell Estate Company, with Sheikha Hissa at the helm, would have paid just over £100,000 to supplement Baaeed for the Arc. The first prize of the Champion Stakes, £737,230, could propel Haggas towards winning his first trainers' title.
Charlie Appleby currently holds a narrow lead over his fellow Newmarket trainer – and it is goes right down to the final day of 2021 in December.
Baaeed's absence from the Arc line-up next month has changed the shape of the ante-post market.
Coral's David Stevens said: "Luxembourg was the big weekend market mover in the Arc betting following his Irish Champions Stake victory, his price falling from 14-1 to 5-1 second favourite, and following the news that Baaeed will not be heading to Paris next month, the Ballydoyle colt is now the clear market leader (4-1) for what many regard as Flat racing's greatest contest.
"Baaeed appears to have the Qipco Champion Stakes at his mercy, and depending on the opposition at Ascot, his starting price could be somewhere close to the 2-11 Frankel was sent off when he ran his last race."
With Baaeed the clear best of Haggas' string of talented horses, one of the Queen's top performers over the summer also hailed from his stable.
Perfect Alibi galloped to victory in two races for Her Majesty, before he chased home Hoo Ya Mal in the Group 3 March Stakes at Goodwood in July.
Two months earlier, King's Lynn, trained by Andrew Balding, the brother of TV presenter Clare Balding, went top of the list after his Temple Stakes triumph at a level higher.
