American Affair Flew Once Again and Shayem Confirmed His Rise at Goodwood
- Turf Diario
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
The sprinter conditioned by Jim Goldie rediscovered his finest form to capture the King George Qatar Stakes (G2), while Shayem upset favorite Talk Of New York in the HKJC World Pool Thoroughbred Stakes (G3), adding another high-caliber chapter to the Qatar Goodwood Festival, which comes to a close this Saturday
SUSSEX, England (Special for Turf Diario).— The Qatar Goodwood Festival will lower its curtain this Saturday with a card that promises to maintain the exceptional quality displayed throughout the week. Ahead of that finale, Friday delivered two thrilling features, headlined by the triumphant return of American Affair in the King George Qatar Stakes (G2) and the consolidation of Shayem, who proved once again that he is in the form of his career by capturing the HKJC World Pool Thoroughbred Stakes (G3).
Over the blistering 1,000-meter straight of the King George, the finish was as dramatic as it was tight. The field divided into two distinct groups almost as soon as the gates opened, and for much of the running, it appeared as though two separate races were taking place. On one side traveled American Affair and Rumstar (Havana Grey); on the other, the Australian mare Asfoora (Flying Artite) and Time For Sandals (Sands of Mali). Only in the final 200 meters did the four key players converge to deliver a thrilling climax.
With Paul Mulrennan maintaining a ideal position along the stands' side rail, American Affair found the spark that had propelled him to victory in last year's King Charles III Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, surging late to hold off the fast-closing Rumstar by a half-length. Close behind, Time For Sandals finished third, a neck further back, with the veteran Asfoora just another neck adrift in fourth.
It was a deeply meaningful victory for the Jim Goldie trainee, who had not visited the winner's circle since that Ascot triumph in 2025 after an injury forced him to miss the remainder of last season, and who had yet to showcase his full potential so far this year.
"On paper, it looked like there would be a tremendous amount of pace, and as soon as we broke, I found a fantastic spot. From there, he did it all himself. At his best, he is an extraordinarily fast horse," commented Mulrennan, who also revealed that connections are already eyeing the Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) at York, as well as a potential trip to the United States later in the fall.
Emotion also ran high for small-scale breeders and co-owners Wendy and John McGrandles, for whom the victory carried extra meaning. "I remember him as a foal tied up in the barn, thinking that if he wasn't good enough to race, he might make a eventer. He was even backed for that discipline because we weren't sure if he'd have the size or the speed to be a racehorse. What we experienced today is just incredible," shared Wendy.
The immediate target will now be the Nunthorpe, though the team has not ruled out testing 1,200 meters in the Sprint Cup (G1) at Haydock, confident that American Affair is in peak physical and mental form.
The afternoon's other headline belonged to Shayem, who built upon the promise he showed weeks ago at Newmarketby upsetting heavy favorite Talk Of New York (Wootton Bassett) in the HKJC World Pool Thoroughbred Stakes(G3) over a mile.
Clifford Lee executed trainer Karl Burke's race plan to perfection. As Catullus (Invincible Spirit) set a blistering tempo up front, Shayem was the only tracker to stay in close attendance, refusing to let the leader build an insurmountable margin. As they turned into the straight, the Abdulrazaq Mohamdi colorbearer went after the front-runner, asserting command in the final 200 meters and holding off the late charge of Talk Of New York, who closed the gap to a half-length at the wire. Catullus held on for third, two and a half lengths further back.
Winner of last season's Silver Tankard Stakes (L) and fresh off a score in the Sir Henry Cecil Stakes (L), Shayemconfirmed his steady development, one that now positions him for higher-level targets.
"We knew Catullus was going to set the pace, and Cliff was the only rider who stayed close. From the 600-meter mark, I noticed we were traveling comfortably while the others were under pressure. That's when I thought we had a massive chance," explained Burke, who noted that the colt could travel to the United States to target races at Kentucky Downsor Colonial Downs in September, though an appearance in the Celebration Mile remains an option.
Lee, for his part, praised the colt's maturity. "We've always had immense faith in him. At home, he's very relaxed, but when race day comes, he steps up. Everything unfolded exactly as we envisioned, and I knew from that position we were going to be very tough to catch."
On the losing end, Charlie Appleby remained pragmatic despite the defeat of favorite Talk Of New York, acknowledging that the race was decided well before the closing stages. "The front two established a decisive advantage. The winner did everything right, took full advantage of the scenario, and deserved to win. William Buickfelt his mount only found his rhythm in the final furlong, but by then, the damage was done," summarized the trainer.
With another Friday packed with top-flight action, Goodwood sets the stage for a grand finale that promises to keep standards high and bid farewell to one of the most captivating meets of the European summer.
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