The Juddmonte International has seen some incredible equine performances over the years, whether it was Sea The Stars' dominance over three Ballydoyle horses in 2009 or Frankel's electric display in 2012, the crowd that day have been able to say "I was there" and this year played host to another of those moments. 
A lot of excitement had been generated in the weeks leading up to the big race as the unbeaten Baaeed had his satnav directed to York following an impressive nine race unbeaten streak. He looked flashy at Newbury in the Lockinge, workmanlike at Royal Ascot and excellent at Goodwood but this would be another stern test with a step up in distance. A son of Sea The Stars, he would be looking to emulate his father in the race and Baaeed is a full brother to the Coronation Cup winner Hukum so stamina was unquestionable in the family. Natural comparisons between Baaeed, Frankel and even Sea The Stars have been made, but it just solidifies how talented he has been this year. In opposition, last year's winner Mishriff returned to York along with the Irish 2000 Guineas winner and last year's unbeaten juvenile Native Trail added spice to an already tasty main course. As his rivals attempted to throw him off his stride with a searching gallop, it only played further into Baaeed's hands as he arrived on Mishriff's hind quarters in second gear, jockey Jim Crowley still motionless. A simple press of the accelator and Baaeed shot away to scorch the ground and win by six and a half lengths, always strongest at the finish. It was truly a race to savour and a brilliant horse to appreciate while he's still around.
Elsewhere on the card, Bergerac opened the card with a narrow victory in the five furlong handicap where the top three were seperated by a pair of short heads. The Group Two Acomb Stakes has been won in the past by some very classy horses and another could be on the way. Chaldean made it two from three by winning the event comfortably in the colours of Juddmonte. A son of Frankel, it was a fitting victory ten years on from the great horse's Juddmonte win. The traditional trial for the St Leger, the Great Voltigeur Stakes, saw just six runners take part but it was still an interesting race with two runners from the Godolphin operation and two for trainer James Ferguson. It was the up and coming trainer Ferguson who took the spoils with a first and third in the race courtesy of the deeply progressive gelding Deauville Legend beating State Legend and El Bodegon. Competitive and valuable handicaps were in high order as well and saw Alfred Boucher win the two mile handicap for Ian Williams, Designer won the five furlong fillies and mares handicap for trainer John Butler and Streets Of Gold remained unbeaten for trainer Eve Johnson Houghton. 
A brilliant way to open the festival and it was a case of blue is the colour on day one.
Winners:
Bergerac (18) - K. Ryan - T. Eaves - Kodi Bear x Fancy Vivid
Chaldean (1) - A. Balding - R. Moore - Frankel x Suelita
Deauville Legend (2) - J. Ferguson - D. Muscutt - Sea The Stars x Soho Rose
Baaeed (2) - W. Haggas - J. Crowley - Sea The Stars x Aghareed
Alfred Boucher (7) - I. Williams - W. Buick - Aussie Rules x Policy Terms
Designer (11) - J. Butler - D. Egan - Pearl Secret x Curly Come Home
Streets Of Gold (5) - E. Johnson Houghton - C. Bishop - Havana Gold x Truly Honoured.