After a hotly contested three-week public vote to determine which ‘Turn of the Century’ Flat horse should be inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall Of Fame, Godolphin’s Dubai Millennium has prevailed.
Four stellar and deserving contenders were carefully shortlisted by Hall of Fame’s expert judging panel, with Daylami, Dubai Millennium, Giant’s Causeway and Montjeu the four nominees put before the public in 2024.
Whilst the contest remained close until the very end of the voting period, which closed Monday night, Dubai Millennium ultimately secured victory and will be recognised through an official presentation on QIPCO British Champions Day on the 19th October at Ascot racecourse.
One of, if not the best horse owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s powerful Godolphin operation, Dubai Millennium won nine races over the course of his career including the Dubai World Cup and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
Defeated just once in ten races when not staying The Derby trip in 1999, the son of Seeking The Gold was otherwise flawless in his nine other races, winning them by an aggregate of more than 47 lengths.
After winning in Dubai and at Royal Ascot in 2000, Dubai Millennium’s rating soared to a high of 136.
Having experienced defeat for the first time in the Derby the previous year, Godolphin’s star had dropped back to a mile, scooping the Prix Jacques le Marois and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, winning the latter in impressive fashion by six lengths.
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director (UK and Dubai) of Godolphin, commented: “Amongst many other outstanding contenders, Dubai Millennium occupies the unique position of being said to be His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s favourite racehorse. His career and his legacy shaped Godolphin and epitomised the spirit of Dubai.
“To win the Dubai World Cup, the race he was named for, in such a dominant manner was exceptional, as were his other victories at the very highest level including the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot. 23 years later, his presence lives on through his world-leading stallion son Dubawi and his many grandsons that have become such a powerful influence on the breed of the future.”
