Ghaiyyath led from the front to claim his fourth Group 1 victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York's Ebor Festival on Wednesday.
The Godolphin-owned five-year-old continued his impressive form when up against a high-class field on the Knavesmire, withstanding a late charge from runner-up Magical to finish three lengths clear, while Lord North came in third.
It was another impressive victory for Charlie Appleby's charge, following on from his triumphs in the Coronation Cup and Coral-Eclipse, and the trainer acknowledged that Ghaiyyath should now be regarded as the best turf horse on the planet.
“On figures yes,” Appleby agreed when asked by ITV Racing. “We're delighted, most importantly for his Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the Godolphin team.”
Appleby was also quick to praise the efforts of jockey William Buick, who has now saddled all four of Ghaiyyath's victories this season.
“It is an honour to have a horse like this on our hands and what a fantastic ride by William,” Appleby added. “It was a lovely race to watch, he got into a lovely rhythm and coming up the straight the others came to challenge, but I was always confident.”
Ghaiyyath is now being tipped to run in October's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
