Saeed bin Suroor pays tribute to Kayf Tara

Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has praised the achievements of outstanding stayer Kayf Tara, who has passed away at the age of 28.

The son of Sadler’s Wells became only the second horse to win non-consecutive renewals of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, taking the staying blue riband on only his fifth racecourse appearance in 1998 before another tenacious display two years later.

Kayf Tara enjoyed further G1 success with back-to-back victories in the Irish St Leger in addition to significant wins in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, Goodwood Cup, Prix Kergorlay and Yorkshire Cup.

In total, Kayf Tara won 10 of his 15 starts and was crowned European Champion Stayer in 1998, 1999 and 2000. He subsequently established himself as a top jump stallion, with 11 British Champion National Hunt Sire titles to date.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Kayf Tara was one of the best horses to run for Godolphin and wrote his name in the history books with his exploits.

“He was a great stayer, who was known throughout the world. It’s very rare to see a horse regain the Gold Cup, while he also won the Irish St Leger twice as well as victories in the Goodwood Cup, Yorkshire Cup and in France.

“It’s sad that he is no longer with us, but he enjoyed hugely successful careers as a racehorse and a national hunt stallion. He leaves us with some fantastic memories.”