‘Dubai Millennium was special and the public obviously agree’.
Dubai Millennium Joins Racing Immortals in Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame
The Legendary Horse Honoured for His Unique Achievements on Turf and Dirt, Leaving an Enduring Legacy
Saeed bin Suroor couldn’t hide his pride as he celebrated the latest accolade for Dubai Millennium, a horse he describes as "special." In an emotional tribute, Bin Suroor reflected on the unforgettable journey of a champion whose feats on both turf and dirt captivated racing fans across the globe. Dubai Millennium’s induction into the prestigious Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame solidifies his place in the pantheon of racing’s greats, alongside the likes of Frankel, Brigadier Gerard, and Nijinsky.
Originally named Yaazer, Dubai Millennium won nine of his ten career starts, with his only defeat coming in the 1999 Derby at Epsom. From that point onward, his brilliance knew no bounds. Whether on the lush turf of Europe or the scorching dirt tracks of Dubai, he proved himself time and time again, claiming victories in some of the sport’s most coveted races, including the Prix Jacques le Marois, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Dubai World Cup, and Prince of Wales's Stakes.
A Vote of Confidence From the Public
In his induction to the Hall of Fame, Dubai Millennium beat out an impressive shortlist that included Daylami, Giant’s Causeway, and Montjeu, securing his spot thanks to a public vote. Each of these horses is a legend in their own right, but it was Dubai Millennium who captured the hearts of voters. For Bin Suroor, the win was validation of what he had always known: Dubai Millennium was no ordinary horse.
"All those four horses on the shortlist were superstars, everybody would know them worldwide, not just in the UK," said Bin Suroor, reflecting on the global significance of the Hall of Fame recognition. "Dubai Millennium was special, and the public obviously agree. We took him everywhere. He won a Dubai World Cup, in France, and at Royal Ascot."
The recognition was more than just a tribute to his wins; it was an acknowledgment of how he transcended the boundaries of the sport. Dubai Millennium’s versatility on both turf and dirt is a rare achievement, one that few horses have matched at the highest level. His dominance in top-tier races was unmistakable, and even in the 2000 Dubai World Cup, he left an indelible mark by breaking the track record at Nad Al Sheba.
"What he was able to do was unusual," Bin Suroor noted. "Winning on turf and dirt, not many have been able to do it at the highest level since. That is why he was special. We are happy to win this award."
A Lasting Legacy Through Dubawi
Dubai Millennium’s legacy didn’t end on the racetrack. His influence has continued through his progeny, particularly through his only foal, Dubawi, who has gone on to become one of the world’s most successful stallions. Dubawi's impact on horse racing is monumental, producing a lineage of champions that have dominated globally.
"He also proved himself as a stallion in just one year," Bin Suroor proudly pointed out, "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 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
Dubawi’s success only adds another layer of significance to Dubai Millennium’s already remarkable career. While his time at stud was tragically cut short due to his untimely death, his influence has carried forward, ensuring that his name continues to be associated with greatness. It is this lasting impact on the sport that sets Dubai Millennium apart from other legends, further cementing his place in the Hall of Fame.
Honoured in the Presence of Champions
Dubai Millennium will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame during a special ceremony on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 19. It’s a fitting venue for a horse who dazzled on British soil, most notably when he stormed to victory in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. The race was memorable not only for his commanding win but also for the fact that American superstar jockey Jerry Bailey filled in for an injured Frankie Dettori, the jockey who had guided Dubai Millennium throughout most of his career.
For those lucky enough to witness his brilliance, the ceremony will be a moment to relive the glory days of a horse who redefined what it means to be a champion. From the regal turf of Royal Ascot to the desert sands of Dubai, Dubai Millennium left a trail of victories that few horses could match. His induction into the Hall of Fame is not just a tribute to his success but also to the way he inspired a new generation of racing fans.
A Timeless Icon of Horse Racing
Dubai Millennium’s career may have been short-lived, but his legacy is anything but fleeting. In a sport that often looks to the next great thing, Dubai Millennium remains a timeless icon. His versatility, his dominance, and his ability to leave an indelible mark on both turf and dirt are what set him apart. Even more remarkable is how his legacy continues through Dubawi, proving that his greatness extended beyond his own career and into future generations of racehorses.
The recognition from the public and his inclusion in the Hall of Fame only serve as further proof of the lasting impact Dubai Millennium had on the world of horse racing. As we look back at his incredible achievements, it’s clear that Dubai Millennium was, and always will be, one of the sport’s true immortals.
