New Approach was named European Champion three-year-old at the Cartier Awards ceremony in London on 17 November.
Princess Haya’s outstanding colt was an unbeaten Champion juvenile, progressing from there to win the Derby at Epsom, the Tattersalls Million Irish Champion Stakes followed by the Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes on his final start at Newmarket. He was also runner-up in both the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas. He retires to Darley for 2009 and will stand at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket for £30,000 (Oct 1, SLF).
New Approach’s superb season contributed to Princess Haya finishing the season as leading owner in Britain. Her colours were also carried to memorable victories by Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Raven's Pass, who is to stand his first season at Kidangan Stud at a fee of €40,000 in 2009, and by another Breeders’ Cup winner, the Kentucky Derby hopeful Donativum, by Cadeaux Genereux.
There was also recognition for the wonderful contribution Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has made to the racing and breeding industry. He received the 2008 Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit, which is presented to the person deemed to have done the most for European racing or breeding either over their lifetime or within the past 12 months.
Commenting on this honour, Sheikh Mohammed said: "I am delighted by this award. I love racing and breeding. We race not only in England and Europe as Godolphin but all round the world. I am very, very pleased with my racing company and my breeding operation. I love racing and I will always be involved in the sport."
