Benbatl retired to take up stallion duties in Japan

Benbatl, a horse who embodied the pioneering spirit of Godolphin with his international exploits, has been retired from racing to stand as a stallion at Big Red Farm in Japan.

Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the son of Dubawi established himself among the world’s top performers on both turf and dirt, with 10 Group race victories across a career that spanned five years.

Benbatl won at Group level every season he raced, but his four-year-old campaign was undoubtedly his best, as he landed G1 contests on three different continents: the Dubai Turf at Meydan, the Grosser Dallmayr Preis in Germany and Australia’s Caulfield Stakes.

Benbatl retires as Dubawi’s top earner, having accrued prize money in excess of £5.8million. He is the first foal of Selkirk mare Nahrain, who herself excelled on the international stage with G1 wins in France and the United States, and a direct descendant of outstanding New Zealand Champion La Mer.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Benbatl was a great horse for Godolphin, winning many important races throughout the world including G1 contests in Dubai, Germany and Australia.

“He was the ultimate professional in everything he did, which made him an easy horse to train. Everyone at Godolphin Stables will miss him but he has a very good pedigree and we are looking forward to seeing how he performs in his new career.”