Although a group win had eluded Ghaiyyath's talented son Opera Ballo in two previous tries, there was no doubt in the outcome of the G2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan on 19 December as the three-year-old won as he pleased and looks to be a force in the G1 Dubai Turf next March.
Breaking well in the field of six, jockey William Buick was satisfied to track the leaders in fourth for most of the early part of the nine furlong event with Buick, "sitting quiet as a church mouse" as the field reached the top of the straight. With a bit of urging from Buick, Opera Ballo responded like a seasoned professional and passed the frontrunners with relative ease to pull away and then was geared down to win by three and one-half lengths.
Bred by Ecurie de Cachene and a €600,000 yearling, Opera Ballo is the second winner from two foals to race out of Dubai Opera, also dam of Night Of Thunder’s Stakes-placed daughter Dyptique. The mare is herself a full sister to multiple Group winner Lockwood and a half-sister to G1 performer Earnshaw.
Ghaiyyath is also sire of other 2025 G2 winners The Padre and My Highness, in addition to Classic horse and Group winner Mandanaba, third in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. He also continues to make his mark in Australia and was recently represented by his first G1 winner with Observer's victory in the Victoria Derby.
Ghaiyyath will stand the 2026 breeding season at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €20,000, Oct 1, SLF.