Cartier Horse Of The Year: Paddington's triumph

Paddington has extended his lead in the race for Cartier Horse of the Year, securing his sixth consecutive win this season in the Qatar Sussex Stakes. The prestigious Cartier Racing Awards, established in 1991 to recognize excellence in horse racing, will be presented at the Dorchester Hotel in London on November 9th.

Under the guidance of trainer Aidan O'Brien, Paddington had no trouble adapting to the mile distance and challenging conditions. He comfortably defeated Facteur Cheval in the highlight race of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. The son of Siyouni currently dominates both the Cartier Horse of the Year and Cartier 3YO Colt divisions with 160 points, having also triumphed in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes, and Coral-Eclipse.

With victories in May, June, July, and August, Paddington may now aim to follow in the footsteps of the legendary 2009 Cartier Horse of the Year, Sea The Stars. Sea The Stars achieved an incredible feat by winning Gr.1 races in six consecutive months during his remarkable three-year-old season.

Paddington's Unstoppable Streak Continues

Another success story at the Qatar Goodwood Festival was 4YO filly Al Husn (48), who emerged victorious in the Qatar Nassau Stakes. This win adds to the remarkable achievements of the Shadwell operation. Just days before, Hukum (56), a full-brother to last year's Cartier Horse of the Year Baaeed, triumphed in a thrilling battle against Westover (84) in Ascot's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes.

Shadwell also boasts another strong contender in the Cartier Older Horse category, with Prince Of Wales's Stakes winner Mostahdaf (54). Mostahdaf could provide a challenging test for Paddington in the upcoming Juddmonte International at York later this month.

Dual French Classic winner Blue Rose Cen (72) had the opportunity to overtake Tahiyra (88) as the leading Cartier 3YO Filly. However, after an unfortunate run in the straight, Blue Rose Cen could only manage a fourth-place finish behind Al Husn at Goodwood.

Quickthorn (32) has risen as a strong contender in the Cartier Stayer category following an impressive victory in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. The 6 YO displayed relentless galloping under jockey Tom Marquand, leading from start to finish and winning by an impressive six lengths. Emily Dickinson (32) finished second, while Gold Cup hero Courage Mon Ami (48) settled for sixth place.

Last year's Cartier Sprinter awardee, Highfield Princess (48), secured her first win of 2023 with a dominant performance in the King George Qatar Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Trained by John Quinn, the star mare currently sits in second place in the division behind Shaquille (64). She will now head to York to defend her crown in the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes.