Dubai Millennium Honored as Hall of Fame Inductee: Saeed bin Suroor Reflects on a Legend
‘Dubai Millennium was special and the public obviously agree’.
Saeed bin Suroor celebrated the induction of Dubai Millennium into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame, calling him a "special" horse who showcased exceptional prowess on both turf and dirt—a rare feat that few horses have achieved at the highest level. Dubai Millennium, originally named Yaazer, secured his place among the greatest racehorses after winning nine out of his 10 races, with his only defeat coming in the 1999 Derby at Epsom, where he finished ninth behind Oath.
Dubai Millennium’s illustrious career included victories in prestigious races such as the Prix Jacques le Marois, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Dubai World Cup, and Prince of Wales's Stakes. His dominance was further highlighted when he defeated notable horses like Daylami, Giant's Causeway, and Montjeu, earning his place in the Hall of Fame alongside legends like Frankel, Brigadier Gerard, and Nijinsky.
Reflecting on this achievement, Bin Suroor remarked, "All those four horses on the shortlist were superstars, everybody would know them worldwide, not just in the UK. Dubai Millennium was special, and the public agreed. We took him everywhere, he won a Dubai World Cup, in France and at Royal Ascot."
Bin Suroor praised Dubai Millennium's versatility, noting his ability to excel on both turf and dirt, a testament to his unique talent. "What he was able to do was unusual, winning on turf and dirt, not many have been able to do it at the highest level since," he said.
🇬🇧 Dubai Millennium takes his place in the @ChampionsSeries Hall of Fame!💙
A winner of nine of his ten starts including four G1's – and officially rated 136👑
As a three-year-old he won the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois and G1 QEII Stakes🥇
He returned as a four-year-old and was… pic.twitter.com/w1dnflCusp
— Godolphin (@godolphin) August 27, 2024
The trainer also highlighted Dubai Millennium's lasting impact as a sire, producing Dubawi, who has become one of the world's leading stallions. "He also proved himself as a stallion in just one year, producing Dubawi, and he's now one of the best stallions in the world. It shows how special he was to produce a horse like that from one crop."
Dubai Millennium’s induction ceremony will take place on Champions Day at Ascot on October 19. This honour comes 24 years after his remarkable career, and as Bin Suroor noted, "Horse racing needs horses like Dubai Millennium. It is 24 years now, and no horse has done it since; that is why he was special."
Dubai Millennium's legacy is not only remembered through his victories and records but also through the lasting influence he has had on the world of horse racing. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a horse who left an indelible mark on the sport.
