2003 will be remembered as the year in which Godolphin recorded their 100th Group/Grade 1 winner.
It was also a year in which the transition towards a totally international racing stable continued unabated. Godolphin won nine Group or Grade 1 races in six different countries for prize-money earnings in excess of US$12 million.
The season began with memories of the never-to-be-forgotten Dubai Millennium being revived as Moon Ballad galloped away with the Dubai World Cup. He stormed clear of his field to win by five lengths in an excellent time, giving Godolphin their fourth success in five years in the world's richest race.
Dubai Destination, who spent so much of 2002 on the sidelines due to injury but had beaten Rock of Gibraltar as a two-year-old, returned to form when he produced a devastating turn of foot to win the Group One Queen Anne Stakes by four lengths at Royal Ascot.
A momentous landmark was reached in August when Sulamani posted Godolphin's 100th Group/Grade 1 success when he was awarded the Arlington Million XXI in Chicago.
It was truly a banner day. Geographically, Sulamani's victory was gained almost as far from Dubai as possible. It emphasised the stable's desire to be represented in the major international races. Indeed, the magical 100 was achieved in 11 different countries, spread over three continents.
The ambition now is to reach 200 Group or Grade 1 triumphs in less than the 10 seasons it took to claim the first 100. In the meantime, Saturday, August 16, 2003 is etched indelibly into Godolphin legend.