Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby capped a memorable year by winning the International Trainer of the Year title for a third successive time.
Appleby saddled 12 of Godolphin’s 30 international Group 1 winners in 2018, including historic wins at the Epsom Derby with Masar and Melbourne Cup with Cross Counter, as well as Line Of Duty’s triumph in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs.
Masar became the first Godolphin first horse to win the English Classic. while Cross Counter ended the Dubai Racing Operation’s 30-year wait for a Melbourne Cup victory.
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Appleby acknowledged 2018 had been an “unbelievable year” and he dedicated his award to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and founder of Godolphin.
“I have one person to thank for that, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, whose ambition and passion for our sport is an inspiration to every one of us at Godolphin,” Appleby told the Godolphin website.
“I am forever grateful to His Highness for having given me the opportunity to train for him.
“I am also fortunate in having an excellent team at Moulton Paddocks, headed by my assistants Marie Murphy and Alex Merriam. Their skill and dedication, plus the hard work of the entire team, have been major factors in the Godolphin success story this year.”
Highlights of Godolphin's golden season:
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Kerrin McEvoy rides #23 Cross Counter to give Godolphin their first ever win in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. Getty -
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy kisses the cup after winning the Melbourne Cup with Cross Counter for Godolphin in June. Getty -
Cross Counter charges to victory at Melbourne. Getty -
Kerrin McEvoy celebrates Cross Counter's victory. Getty -
Masar ridden by William Buick wins the Epsom Derby. Reuters -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, second right, was at Epsom in June to see Godolphin's historic win. Getty -
Jockey William Buick celebrates on Masar after winning the Epsom Derby. Reuters -
Masar charges to victory in the Epsom Derby. Reuters -
Thunder Snow, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, won the Dubai World Cup in March. Giuseppe Cacace. AFP -
Thunder Snow out in front at the Dubai World Cup. EPA -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on stage after Thunder Snow's win at the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
There was lots of celebration after Thunder Snow won the Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The International Trainer of the Year award is decided by the International Racing Bureau and is awarded to the trainer who made the biggest global impact throughout the year.
Appleby won this year’s award ahead of Karl Burke, John Gosden and Godolphin’s other trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who saddled, among others, 2018 Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow.
