A TOP bookie has slated William Haggas for not running Baaeed in the £2.6million Arc de Triomphe.
Fans had been licking their lips at the prospect of Europe’s – and possibly the world’s – best horse running his final race in Paris on October 2.
Banks said top trainers such as Haggas ‘didn’t deserve’ world-class horses after it was confirmed Baaeed would not run in the Arc
The top bookie posted his thoughts on Baaeed being pulled from the Arc in favour of Ascot
After blitzing a stellar field on his first try over further than a mile in the Juddmonte at York, hopes were high for Baaeed to confirm just how good he is over 1m4f in France.
But the risk of being beaten for a first time – not to mention potentially bringing down his value at stud – convinced connections to target Champions Day at Ascot on October 15 instead.
Some racing lovers, though, felt it was a risk worth taking.
Had he won at a mile, mile and a quarter and a mile and a half then Baaeed would definitely have been remembered as one of the greatest ever.
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With victory at Ascot looking a certainty – expect him to go off around 1-10 if not shorter – the contest looks more like a no contest.
Bookmaker Geoff Banks was one of those to blast legendary trainer Haggas’ decision.
He wrote on Twitter: “Why am I not surprised Baaeed not going for his natural route – as proven by a dominating staying performance at York – for the Arc?
“As usual – UK’s ‘top’ trainers plug the safe route and a line of 1’s against trees
“Honestly, they don’t deserve such horses.”
Some punters felt similarly, even if the plans were brilliant news for British racegoers.
One punter, however harsh, summed up the thoughts of some by saying in response to the news: “Bottle and a half, that is so disappointing.”
Another wrote: “The world’s best horse should’ve been running in one of the world’s best races in my opinion.”
While one post read: “Lightweight bottle job.”
The £737,230 Haggas is set to pocket for Baaeed winning the Qipco Champion Stakes could help him win his first trainer’s title.
Explaining the decision, Haggas said: “After much consultation with Sheikha Hissa and her team we have decided that Baaeed’s final start will be in the Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 15.
“He was very impressive in the Juddmonte International and it was only right that we explored every option.
“I, in particular, was keen to keep him to a mile and a quarter, therefore the Champion Stakes was the only logical solution.
“I understand many will be disappointed he’s not running in the Arc but we can’t do both and Ascot it will be.”
