Talking Horses: Baaeed trainer’s plan for fixture cull would be a reckless one

Much of racing’s financing remains secret and racecourses need to be more transparent about their media rights money

The exceptional and unbeaten Baaeed will face six rivals – including two stable companions at the William Haggas yard – in his much-anticipated step up to a mile-and-a-quarter in the Group One International Stakes at York on WednesdayA 10th career success for the four-year-old would put his Yorkshire-born trainer alongside Charlie Appleby, the defending champion, in the title race.

Baaeed is the best horse to set foot on a track in Britain since Frankel a decade ago and like Sir Henry Cecil’s flawless champion, he will set off at long odds-on for the feature event on the first day of York’s Ebor festival. Mishriff, last year’s winner for the John and Thady Gosden stable, and the Appleby-trained Native Mission, 2021’s champion juvenile and the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner this year, are his most serious opponents on paper, but both should have plenty to find with the favourite if his stamina lasts out over the extended 10-furlong trip.