But how have brilliant racemares fared in their second career down through the years? They are certainly a select bunch with only 42 having attained a Timeform mark of 130 or higher since the 1970s. Predictably, many–just like Enable–have earned their high ranking by winning or going close in Europe's premier middle-distance race, the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. No fewer than 15 among our 42 have won or finished runner up in the Longchamp feature. Dual winners Enable and Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}) take pride of place, but they are not the best Arc-winning females in the past 50 years according to Timeform.

The great Allez France (Sea-Bird {Fr})–one of five fillies on our list that raced for Daniel Wildenstein–achieved a rating of 136, two pounds above the 134 of Enable, Treve and All Along (Fr) (Targowice). In fact, only four from the group of 42 have risen higher than 134, the brilliant sprinter Habibti (Ire) (Habitat) matching Allez France's 136, while dual King George heroine Dahlia (Vaguely Noble {Ire}) and brilliant Pebbles (GB) (Sharpen Up {GB}) peaked at 135.

Several fillies, such as Balanchine (Storm Bird), Salsabil (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) and Triptych (Riverman), were talented enough to beat their male counterparts in traditionally male-only Classics such as the Irish Derby and Irish 2000 Guineas. There have also been top milers like triple Breeders' Cup Mile heroine Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) and even a few 2-year-olds have made the list, with Phoenix S. winner Cloonlara (Sir Ivor), Prix Morny heroine Broadway Dancer (Northern Dancer), plus Cawston's Pride (GB) (Con Brio II {GB}) making it to the exalted 130 mark.

In assessing this group of brilliant fillies as broodmares, along with Enable, we can also discount speedster Marsha (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) another yet to have runners, while a few more, including Treve and even Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}), are only at the dawn of their broodmare careers. We are also obliged to leave out two more on account that they never produced any foals. The outstanding Habitat filly, Flying Water (Fr), rated 132 by Timeform after a career that included victories in the 1000 Guineas, Prix Jacques le Marois and Champion S., died in an accident at Belmont Park as a 5-year-old, while Triptych, a sometimes brilliant but always tough daughter of Riverman, lost her life in a paddock accident while carrying her first foal by Mr. Prospector.

That leaves 36–all foaled more than 15 years ago–whose stud records can be examined. This group had a combined 260 runners, an average of 6.5 per mare. This low number is a clue in itself as to how they have fared in their second careers. Some struggled with their fertility while others simply couldn't produce the goods. Given that these were all top-class fillies, their owners might have expected at least a group winner from their prized broodmare prospects. In the event, 20 of the 36 produced at least one group winner. Moreover, the sum total of 38 group winners produced by the 36 mares made up 14.6% of the 260 runners, a pleasing return no doubt.

Less impressive is the fact that only 14 produced a Group 1 winner and only three had more than one Group 1 winner. But the most disappointing aspect of all is that only a single Timeform 130-plus female in the past 50 years of European racing has produced a runner good enough to join the Timeform 130-plus club. That mare was Cawston's Pride, the Champion 2-Year-Old Filly of 1970 and dam of the brilliant Vincent O'Brien-trained sprinter Solinus (GB) (Comedy Star), who set the summer of 1978 alight with consecutive victories in the King's Stand S., July Cup and Nunthorpe S., or William Hill Sprint Championship as it was known then.

Of all the group's produce records, Dahlia's is easily the best. Though none of her foals approached anywhere near her own ability, four won at the highest level with three requiring American turf races to secure their Group 1 status. The brilliant miler Miesque (Nureyev) produced influential sire Kingmambo (Mr. Prospector), a 125-rated three-time Group 1 winner, plus Classic winner East of the Moon (Private Account), who won the French Guineas and Oaks, plus the Jacques le Marois during a rich vein of form as a 3-year-old in 1994.

The only other dam of two or more Group 1 winners in the group was the brilliant sprinter Marwell (Ire) (Timeform 133), one of four 130-plus Habitat fillies on our list. She was responsible for Lomond's daughter Marling (Ire), who scored in the Cheveley Park S., Irish 1000 Guineas, Coronation S. and Sussex S. Meanwhile, Marling's Caerleon half-brother Caerwent (Ire) secured a Group 1 victory in the National S. at The Curragh.

The fact that the 36 top-class European racemares since 1970 collectively managed but a single horse in their own class may seem disappointing, but it's perhaps better to hang on to the 14.6% group winner figure. All the more so when we learn that fillies and mares rated between 125 and 129 by Timeform typically produce 7.2% group winners to runners–an excellent return, but only half the rate of their more-talented peers.

There are numerous examples of brilliant racemares that failed completely at stud. The first five foals produced by Pebbles never even saw a racecourse despite being by the best sires of the day. She ended up with only two minor winners from 11 foals. Indian Skimmer (Storm Bird) was another who failed to fire a shot, her first six foals being unraced, before her last foal won six sprint races over a period of eight years. The brilliant Habibti had only two winners from 12 foals with no sign of class whatsoever. Arc heroines, Ivanjica (Sir Ivor) and Akiyda (GB) (Labus {Fr}) were also bereft of stakes horses, as were Oaks and St Leger winner Dunfermline (GB) (Royal Palace {GB}), King George heroine Pawneese (Ire) (Carvin II {Fr}), April Run (Ire) (Run the Gauntlet), Milligram (GB) (Mill Reef) and Luth Enchantee (Fr) (Be My Guest). Even the great Allez France struggled, her best offspring being Group 3 scorer Action Francaise (Nureyev).

Of course, some made amends for their lackluster produce records and went on to establish good legacies. Pawneese is ancestress of Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) while Lianga (Dancer's Image)–dam of a single stakes winner–is in the direct female line of important sires Danehill Dancer (Ire) (Danehill) and Street Sense (Street Cry {Ire}), while Milligram has her own vibrant dynasty at Meon Valley Stud with Oaks winner Anapurna (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Speedy Boarding (GB) (Shamardal) listed among her best descendants.

Of course, this study by design excludes many fine fillies and mares than went on to have great careers at stud. Perhaps the two most worthy of mention are the 126-rated pair Urban Sea (Miswaki) and Detroit (Fr) (Riverman), Arc winners who produced Arc winners. And there is none with a more profound influence on the modern-day breed than Urban Sea.

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“Brilliant seven-time Group 1 winner Magical (Galileo) has been retired and will join the broodmare band at Coolmore Stud,” the tweet read. “Mating Plans [are] yet to be decided.”

Bred by Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt, the May-foaled bay raced for Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor. As a juvenile, she won the G2 Debutante S. and was second by only a nose in the G1 Moyglare Stud S. She continued to progress at three, with a win in the G2 Kilboy Estate S. in July of 2018 and an October score in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S., her first top level win before a second in the GI Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs to end her season.

In 2019, Magical was only out of the first two once in nine starts and added victories in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, G1 Irish Champion S., and G1 QIPCO Champion S. besides an additional pair of group wins. She also ran second thrice at the Group 1 level. This term she saluted in her second Tattersalls Gold Cup, besides the G1 Pretty Polly S. and another Irish Champion S. from seven racecourse appearances. Magical also played the bridesmaid in her second Breeders’ Cup Turf this November. She retires with a mark of 28-12-8-2 and $6,200,713 in earnings.

O’Brien told PA: “She was a great filly, she ran at the very top level all the time until she retired. She was ultra-consistent and just an amazing filly, really. She travelled a lot. She won three Group Ones this year and I was delighted to have her again this year, it was a brave decision of the lads to keep her in training.

“The days that stand out are the Champion S.. She was amazing, she always turned up. She was tough, she was consistent and had a super mind and was very sound. Her mum (Halfway To Heaven) was a queen, she was a queen and she was by Galileo, so I suppose you could call him the king. It would be exciting to train her offspring.”

Highweighted in England and Ireland in 2018 and 2019, Magical is a daughter of G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Halfway to Heaven, who also landed the G1 Nassau S. and G1 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot S. Magical is the fifth foal out of Halfway to Heaven and is also a full-sister to European highweight and MG1SW Rhododendron (Ire) and group winner Flying the Flag (Ire).

Halfway to Heaven, herself a half-sister to group scorers Theann (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}) and Tickled Pink (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), was purchased by agent Demi O’Byrne for Coolmore for €450,000 out of the 2006 Goffs Orby Million Sale. Magical’s second dam is the blue hen and MGSW Cassandra Go (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), placed in the G1 July Cup.

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Other Breeders’ Cup races impacting the rankings:

GI Breeders’ Cup Mile – Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {Ire}) [120]; Circus Maximus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) [2nd, 120]

GI Breeders’ Cup Turf – Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal) [120]; Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) [2nd, 121]; Channel Maker (English Channel) [3rd, 120]; Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) [4th, 123]; and Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) [5th, 121]. In her previous start, Tarnawa defeated Alpine Star (Ire) (Sea the Moon {Ger}) [120] in the G1 Prix de l’Opera.

On British Champions Day, Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) [125] improved his rating to 125 from 122 with his victory over Skalleti (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) [121], Magical, and Serpentine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) [120] in the G1 Qipco Champion S. Also that day, The Revenant (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) [120] won the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S.  In Australia, Bivouac (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) [125] improved his rating to 125 from 120 after winning the G1 Darley Sprint Classic over Nature Strip (Aus) (Nicconi {Aus}) [124]. In his previous start, Bivouac finished second to the newly-ranked Classique Legend (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) [125] in the TAB Everest. In Japan, Fierement (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) earned a 123 ranking after finishing second to Almond Eye (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) [124] in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn). Chrono Genesis (Jpn) (Bago {Fr}) [120] was third.

The rankings are compiled by the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

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2019 G1 QIPCO Champion S. winner Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is aiming for her second consecutive Champion S. score, and the Coolmore runner has been in prime form of late, with three Group 1 wins this season, her only loss a second to formidable frontrunner Ghaiyyath (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Juddmonte International S. in August. The 5-year-old mare leads the Ballydoyle trio of MG1SW Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and G1 Derby scorer Serpentine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). She defeated Ghaiyyath in the G1 Irish Champion S. at Leopardstown on Sept. 12. Last year’s G1 Champion S. runner-up Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) earned a brace of Group 1 wins in Australia this spring, and he ran second to the re-opposing Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Prince of Wales’s S. at Royal Ascot in June. The durable chestnut was first past the post at the listed level at Ayr on Sept. 19 for William Haggas. Besides Lord North, John Gosden sends out G1 Prix du Jockey Club winner Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), who landed the G2 Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville on Aug. 15.

The G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. lost some of its lustre with the absence of 2020 G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas hero Kameko (Kitten’s Joy) and MG1SW Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), but that has put the focus even more firmly on fledgling miler wunderkind Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s undefeated colt stunned in the G1 St James’s Palace S. in June and backed up those claims in heavy ground in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville in August. This year’s G1 Queen Anne S. hero Circus Maximus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), one of three from Ballydoyle, ran second in the G1 Sussex S. in July before taking third to Palace Pier in the Prix Jacques le Marois. The Flaxman Stables/Coolmore partners colourbearer was most recently third in the G1 Prix du Moulin at ParisLongchamp on Sept. 6. Shadwell’s Oct. 3 G1 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot S. heroine Nazeef (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and Oct. 3 G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein victor The Revenant (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) could also both provide stiff challenges on Saturday.

If Hollie Doyle triumphs aboard 4-year-old filly Dame Malliot (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S., it would be one of the stories of the weekend, as it would  be Doyle’s first win out of the top drawer. Ed Vaughan’s dual Group 2 winner ran third in both the G1 Preis von Europa in August and the Sept. 13 G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille and is a solid chance. She faces ace sophomores Wonderful Tonight (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), who won the G1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu for David Menuisier on Oct. 3, and Ger Lyons’s G1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks heroine Even So (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) among others.

Despite the absence of Shadwell’s grey speedball Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), quality is rampant throughout the 17-strong G1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint S. field. Lael Stable’s One Master (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) will try to go one better than in 2019 and enters off her third straight G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret victory. However, the 6-year-old mare is not the only entrant coming in off a Group 1 victory, as Roger Teal trainee Oxted (GB) (Mayson {GB}) resurfaces after a score in the G1 July Cup S. on July 11 and a wind operation. Dream of Dreams (Ire) (Dream Ahead), the top-rated horse in the field, bettered Glen Shiel (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) by 1 1/4 lengths in Haydock’s G1 Betfair Sprint Cup S. on Sept. 5. Andrew Balding saddles the progressive Happy Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) looking for the colt’s fourth-straight win, building on the back of scores in the Aug. 30 G3 Supreme S. and Newmarket’s G2 Challenge S. on Oct. 9.

A baker’s dozen step up for the opening race, with 2018 winner Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) out to regain his crown in the G2 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup. The game Bjorn Nielsen runner was second last term to Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Twice a winner at the highest level in 2020, he was last in action when seventh in the G1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The chestnut faces two-time G1 Irish St Leger heroine Search For a Song (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) for Moyglare Stud, 2019 G1 Irish Derby winner Sovereign (Ire) (Galileo {Ire})-one of three for Aidan O’Brien, 2020 Irish St. Leger bridesmaid Fujaira Prince (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), and G2 Doncaster Cup S. hero Spanish Mission (Noble Mission {GB}) for Team Valor and Gary Barber.

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In reality, for all of Ghaiyyath’s many accomplishments, this was no surprise as Magical is part of a new era of the supermares which is due to go on and on. Her exhilarating display when winning the G1 Pretty Polly S. on her 5-year-old bow at The Curragh June 28 was up there with any of her previous efforts and showed why connections had opted not to cover her by No Nay Never until at least 2021. Coming to the fore last term with wins in the G1 Champion S. as well as this and also the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, she is a heavyweight wherever she goes around the world but is rock-solid on home soil and it was always going to take a monumental performance from Ghaiyyath to withstand her. This was her 13th start in Ireland and 10th success, with her reversals coming as a fledgling act at two and when fourth in the 2018 G1 Matron S. over an inadequate mile. Having won back-to-back renewals of the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh July 26, she was three-lengths second at York Aug. 19 with Aidan O’Brien publicly wondering why the extra that he believed she possessed in the locker was not coming forward on the track.

Remarkably, Heffernan was riding Magical for the first time in the Pretty Polly and this was only his second opportunity to sit on the mare as Ryan Moore stuck with Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). That extra that her trainer talked of may have been eked out in some part by the Ballydoyle stalwart in the saddle and by an opponent of the merit of Ghaiyyath, but the way she operated in the run to the line suggests she was still keeping something back. “I felt that the favourite knew we were there at the start and we were with him every step of the way today–he knew we meant business,” Heffernan explained after steering his third winner of this after the masterfully-ridden Cape Blanco (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in 2010 and So You Think (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) a year later. “Some horses can disappoint you when they seem like champions in the morning, but she has probably never given everything and still won seven group 1s. She’s very sound and up for it every day. She’s a big and honest mare and to win a third one is massive for me–I work for a great team.”

Magical is likely to head back to ParisLongchamp on the first Sunday in October, having been a well-beaten fifth in the Arc last year. “I suppose we are learning about her all the time,” Aidan O’Brien added. “If you get away from her she gets a bit lazy, but if you get into a fight with her very few will eyeball her. Of all the European races, prestige-wise, this is one of the top, if not the top and every year all the high-rated horses turn up here. It has a perfect place in the calendar, perfect ground, perfect distance and Armory ran an unbelievable race as well. Magical has the choice of the Arc or the fillies’ race [the G1 Prix de l’Opera] on the same day. It will depend on what the lads want to do with Love. The Breeders’ Cup could also suit her really well. We think she gets a mile and a quarter real strong and at a mile and a half you probably have to ride more of a race on her. She can dish it out to anyone stride-for-stride at a mile and a quarter. Fair dues to Sheikh Mohammed and to Charlie for bringing Ghaiyyath–that’s what makes these races. You win some and lose some–we get beaten all the time, but you have to compete and you can’t expect to win everything. Ghaiyyath is a great horse.”

Connections of the runner-up could bypass the Arc, with Charlie Appleby saying, “I talked with William Buick afterwards, who said that it rode like a decent race and they have gone a good gallop. Turning in, Ghaiyyath was there with every chance but full credit to Magical, who is a multiple group 1 winner. They have produced another good duel up the straight, but she has come out on top this time. Ghaiyyath will have a short break now before we decide on our next target. We will make a call over the coming weeks and discuss everything before confirming where to go next with him.” Ryan Moore said of Japan, who ended up fifth having briefly threatened in early straight, “I thought off the bend he was going to run well, but he hasn’t found the line today and it’s disappointing. I was hoping he would run up to his 3-year-old form, but unfortunately he hasn’t.”

Magical’s dam Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) was successful in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas, G1 Nassau S. and G1 Sun Chariot S. before being solely mated with Galileo to dramatic effect. Her triple group 1-winning daughter Rhododendron (Ire) owned the bragging rights prior to the arrival of this phenomenon, while she also threw the G3 International S. winner Flying the Flag (Ire). She is out of the triple group-winning sprinter Cassandra Go (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), who went close to a group 1 victory herself and whose other black-type winners include Theann (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire) whose daughter Photo Call (Ire) also by Galileo captured the GI First Lady S. and GI Rodeo S. Theann also produced the G2 Richmond S. scorer Land Force (Ire) by Magical’s future husband No Nay Never, while Cassandra Go is kin to the G3 Coventry S. winner and G1 Irish 2000 Guineas runner-up Verglas (Ire) who excelled at stud. Also connected to the G1 Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter (GB) by Galileo’s son Teofilo (Ire), Halfway To Heaven also has a yearling colt to come.

Saturday, Leopardstown, Ireland
IRISH CHAMPION S.-G1, €750,000, Leopardstown, 9-12, 3yo/up, 10fT, 2:05.08, gd.
1–MAGICAL (IRE), 132, m, 5, by Galileo (Ire)
1st Dam: Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Broodmare Of The Year-Ire, MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Ire, G1SP-Fr, $941,139), by Pivotal (GB)
2nd Dam: Cassandra Go (Ire), by Indian Ridge (Ire)
3rd Dam: Rahaam, by Secreto
O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Seamus Heffernan. €435,000. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 3yo-Eur at 11-14f, Hwt. Older Mare-Eur at 9.5-11f, Hwt. Older Mare-Ire at 11-14f, MG1SW-Eng & GISP-US, 25-12-7-0, $5,219,464. *Full to Rhododendron (Ire), Hwt. 2yo Filly-Ire, Hwt. Older Mare-Eur at 7-9.5f, MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Fr, GSW & G1SP-Ire, GISP-USA, $1,786,763; Flying the Flag (IRE), GSW-Ire & GSP-SAf, $195,702. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Ghaiyyath (Ire), 135, h, 5, Dubawi (Ire)–Nightime (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). (€1,100,000 Wlg ’15 GOFNOV). O-Godolphin; B-Springbank Way Stud (IRE); T-Charlie Appleby. €150,000.
3–Armory (Ire), 129, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–After (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien. €75,000.
Margins: 3/4, 1 1/4, NO. Odds: 4.50, 0.62, 66.00.
Also Ran: Sottsass (Fr), Japan (GB), Leo de Fury (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

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“Ghaiyyath will work tomorrow morning, we will have a final discussion then and if everyone is happy our intention is to fly to Dublin on Saturday morning,” said trainer Charlie Appleby.

He faces some stiff opposition, including Juddmonte International second and third MG1SW Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and G1 Prince Of Wales’s S. hero Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), from the yards of Aidan O’Brien and John Gosden, respectively. French Classic hero Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), who took the June 14 G1 Prix Gayan is also entered for Jean-Claude Rouget, while Godolphin’s MG1SW Barney Roy (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}) could also compete.

O’Brien also has G1 Investec Derby victor Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), MG1SW Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), G1SW Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), G1SP Vatican City (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and MGSW & MG1SP Armory (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) entered at this point. Jessica Harrington has entered GSW Leo De Fury (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Joseph O’Brien has the pair of MGSW Buckhurst (Ire) (Australia {GB} and Group 3 winner Degraves (Ire) (Camelot {GB}).

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Were it not for Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Magical would have another three group 1s to boast of and in this era of the supermares she stands as one of the trailblazers for her sex. Her career has particularly taken off since September, when she captured the first leg of a notable G1 Irish-English Champion S. double at Leopardstown. Forcing connections into keeping her in training for one more season, she now has four group 1 wins from her last five starts and has justified that decision in no uncertain terms. Now that she is accustomed to making her own running, it could be that she is able to put it up to the Juddmonte sensation the next time their paths cross.

Lordan is of the opinion that the change in tactics is beneficial. “She jumped and she bowled away, she has a big easy action. She made it the last day and zinged along, today she was a little bit more relaxed out there in front,” he added. “I felt if anyone got to me, it would only help me. From the minute you sit on her till you get off, she feels like she has a presence. She’s a high-quality filly and she is definitely up there with the top ones, we know that by her form.”
Aidan O’Brien was at home and told the Racing Post, “She is a great mare. The only reason she is here now is because of the progress she made over the winter and she had progressed again from the Pretty Polly, so we are delighted the lads kept her in training. She might get a little bit of an easy time of it now, but the options would be the [G1] Juddmonte International and the [G1] Irish Champion Stakes. She could wait for the Irish Champion, but we’ll see.”

Magical’s dam Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), who was bred by Trevor Stewart, won the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas, G1 Nassau S. and G1 Sun Chariot S. and is making her own special mark within the Coolmore broodmare band. Covered by Galileo throughout her second career, she has produced the G1 Lockinge S., G1 Fillies Mile and G1 Prix de l’Opera heroine Rhododendron (Ire), as well as the G3 International S. scorer Flying the Flag (Ire). Halfway To Heaven is out of Stewart’s triple group-winning sprinter Cassandra Go (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}), who also produced the G3 Summer S. scorer Theann (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire). She has become a star producer in her own right, throwing the GI First Lady S. and GI Rodeo S. heroine Photo Call (Ire) from a mating with Galileo and also the G2 Richmond S. scorer Land Force (Ire) (No Nay Never). Halfway To Heaven’s daughter Tickled Pink (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) raced for her owner-breeder and took the G3 Abernant S. and G3 Sandown Sprint S.

The third dam Rahaam (Secreto) was responsible for the notable sire Verglas (Ire) and the listed scorer Persian Secret (Fr) (Persian Heights {GB}), who is the ancestress of several classy performers. Her daughters Seba (GB) (Alzao) and Do the Honours (Ire) (Highest Honor {Fr}) were decent types, with the former capturing the Listed Chesham S. and finishing third in the GI Mother Goose S. and Do the Honours winning the G3 Prix de Meautry. The latter is the second dam of the G1 Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter (GB) by Galileo’s son Teofilo (Ire). Halfway To Heaven also has a yearling full-brother to Magical.

Sunday, Curragh, Ireland
TATTERSALLS GOLD CUP-G1, €250,000, Curragh, 7-26, 3yo/up, 10fT, 2:10.39, g/y.
1–MAGICAL (IRE), 135, m, 5, by Galileo (Ire)
1st Dam: Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Broodmare Of The Year-Ire, MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Ire, G1SP-Fr, $941,139), by Pivotal (GB)
2nd Dam: Cassandra Go (Ire), by Indian Ridge (Ire)
3rd Dam: Rahaam, by Secreto
O-Derrick Smith; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Wayne Lordan. €150,000. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 3yo-Eur at 11-14f, Hwt. Older Mare-Eur at 9.5-11f, Hwt. Older Mare-Ire at 11-14f, MG1SW-Eng & GISP-US, 23-11-6-0, $4,631,071. *Full to Rhododendron (Ire), Hwt. 2yo Filly-Ire, Hwt. Older Mare-Eur at 7-9.5f, MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Fr, GSW & G1SP-Ire, GISP-USA, $1,786,763; Flying the Flag (IRE), GSW-Ire & GSP-SAf, $195,702. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Sir Dragonet (Ire), 138, c, 4, Camelot (GB)–Sparrow (Ire), by Oasis Dream (GB). O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Orpendale, Wynatt & Chelston (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien. €50,000.
3–Search For A Song (Ire), 135, f, 4, Galileo (Ire)–Polished Gem (Ire), by Danehill. O/B-Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd (IRE); T-Dermot Weld. €25,000.
Margins: 2 1/4, 2, HF. Odds: 0.22, 18.00, 50.00.
Also Ran: Armory (Ire), Leo de Fury (Ire), Buckhurst (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.

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Abdullah’s racing manager, Teddy Grimthorpe, said, “We’re very happy with Enable. Everything has been straightforward since the Eclipse and we think she’s come on for that run. We’re looking forward to Saturday.”

“These big races are not supposed to be easy to win,” added Grimthorpe. “It’s not going to be a very big field, obviously, but there are only so many horses at that level. It’s a shame there’s no 3-year-old in the race, but we’re just concentrating on our ourselves and Enable seems in good shape.”

The dual G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner’s stiffest competition however hails from across the Irish Sea, as Aidan O’Brien saddles six for the Coolmore partners in the 1 1/2-mile feature. Star fillies Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and  MG1SW Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), second to Enable in the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf back in 2018, are both slated to take part. The former, a Group 1 winner in Australia, and first in the June 13 G2 Lanwades Stud S., was a last out fourth in the Coral-Eclipse. Magical warmed up for this with an easy 4 1/2-length win in the G1 Pretty Polly S. at The Curragh on June 28.

Highly regarded 2019 G1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Juddmonte International S. scorer Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), third to Ghaiyyath and Enable in the Coral-Eclipse, returns for another crack at the top level after a fourth in the G1 Prince Of Wales’s S. at Royal Ascot on June 17. One of several other Classic winners from Rosegreen tapped for the King George is 2019 G1 Investec Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), fifth in the Hardwicke, while last year’s G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby hero Sovereign (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) cuts back in trip after running third in the G3 Comer Group International Vintage Crop S. in his 4-year-old bow at The Curragh on June 27. Group 3 winner Sir Dragonet (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) completes the sextet.

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If Magical is not at least near her top level, Jessie Harrington could be set to take advantage with Jon Kelly’s 3-year-old Cayenne Pepper (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who gets a 12-pound weight-for-age swing. She showed her quality at two when taking the G3 Flame of Tara S. over a mile here in August before finishing fourth in the G1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket in October.

Acting as support to the feature is the G2 Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands S. and Denis Hogan’s Make a Challenge (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) bids to cement his place at the forefront of the domestic sprinters. He looked in a good place when taking the Listed Sole Power Sprint S. over five furlongs at Naas last Saturday and has shown enough to suggest he is at least a match for the June 20 G1 Diamond Jubilee S. fifth Speak In Colours (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}).

Also on Sunday, Godolphin’s Old Persian (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) bids for a third top-level success and a first in Europe having been found an ideal opening in a tepid renewal of the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. On a card in which the operation’s TDN Rising Star Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) looks to get back to winning ways in the G2 Prix du Muguet, the Charlie Appleby-trained 5-year-old meets the May 31 G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly winner and June 14 G1 Prix Ganay runner-up Way To Paris (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) and last year’s second Ziyad (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}). Old Persian can be hit-and-miss, but on his best day he is near the international elite as he proved when taking last year’s G1 Dubai Sheema Classic and the GI Northern Dancer Turf S. Rejuvenated after a break having signed off with a poor 11th in the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf, the stalwart will probably not find a softer Group 1 anywhere in Britain, France or Ireland this year.

“Old Persian enjoyed a nice winter off out in Dubai after doing a lot of travelling last year,” Appleby said. “It was a disappointing run at the Breeders’ Cup, but it came at the end of a long season and the way the race panned out didn’t suit him. He has been freshened up for hopefully a nice European campaign over the summer and we have been pleased with his preparation. If he brings his A-game, he will be very competitive.”

Persian King was beaten on his keenly-anticipated return in the Listed Prix de Montretout over a mile at Chantilly June 10 and the Muguet looks a good fit for last year’s G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains hero and G1 Prix du Jockey Club runner-up. Standing in the way is the talent of Gerard Augustin-Normand’s impressive G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil winner Pretreville (Fr) (Acclamation {GB}), who had last year’s G2 Prix Dollar and G2 Premio Roma winner Skalleti (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) five lengths back in third in that May 18 Chantilly contest. Jean-Claude Seroul’s Skalleti has a four-pound swing here and has that sharpener under his belt, while Persian King’s trainer Andre Fabre also pitches in Lady Bamford’s G3 Prix Chloe winner Suphala (Fr) (Frankel {GB}) to ensure this is a proper test for his Classic hero.

Click here for the group fields.

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