Two remarkable milestones were recorded in 2005. The first was a beguiling new chapter in the Dubai Millennium story through the deeds of his son, Dubawi. Cruelly struck down after only one season at stud, Dubai Millennium still bequeathed a Classic legacy.
There was much of his sire about Dubawi. His yearning to run brought him great acclaim, starting with his impressive victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. But Dubawi's greatest performance arguably came in the Group One Prix Jacques le Marois. It was billed as one of the races of the season, but it was over in a matter of strides as the Godolphin star shot clear.
The second significant milestone occurred on October 19 at Nottingham in the United Kingdom when Highlander landed a maiden to become Godolphin's 1,000th worldwide winner. Amazingly, it came less than 13 years after Cutwater had opened the account at Nad Al Sheba.
A further nine Group/Grade One victories, gained in five different countries, hoisted Godolphin's overall total of racing's top prizes to 124. The stable saddled more than 100 winners during 2005 for prize-money in excess of US$9 million.
But the jewel was Dubawi and he will now extend Dubai Millennium's imprint into a second generation. An important legacy is thus in safe hands.