Owner Gerard Wertheimer has given the biggest hint yet that the racing world will again be dazzled by dual Breeders' Cup Mile winner Goldikova in 2010.
The seven-time Group One-winning filly successfully defended her crown at Santa Anita in California earlier this month, but connections were reluctant to commit to the five-year-old's campaign in the immediate aftermath.
However, trainer Freddie H
ead and Wertheimer were more positive on continuing Goldikova's career after collecting her award for the 2009 Cartier Champion Older Horse in London on Tuesday evening.
Wertheimer, who owns the House of Chanel, said: "This has been an exceptional year with the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket, the Prix Jacques le Marois in France and the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita for the second year running.
"I think these successes have proved without a doubt that Goldikova is truly of international class."
Head added: "No firm decision has been made, but it is looking more likely that she will stay in training. I will know for sure in about 10 days."
Meanwhile, Christopher Tsui paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Ling, and described 2009 as "the best year in my life" after Sea The Stars, pictured left with Michael Kinane, dominated the Cartier Racing Awards at Claridge's Hotel.
The record-breaking colt was named Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old Colt after his unbeaten campaign which saw him become the first to complete the Guineas-Derby-Arc treble.
The son of Cape Cross was bred by the Hong Kong-based Tsui family and is one of a handful of horses out of their 1993 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Urban Sea, who died earlier this year.
Trainer John Oxx also made a trip to the stage at the lavish ceremony as his handling of Sea The Stars was recognised via the Cartier/Daily Telegraph Award of Merit.
Tsui said: "I'd like to thank John and Katrina Oxx, their family and everyone at the stable for all they have done.
"They are the most professional and talented people I have had the pleasure to meet. They have taken wonderful care of this horse and trained him to become a wonderful athlete.
"Thank you also to Michael Kinane for his masterful rides.
"But this award is chiefly for my mother.
"It is a result of her faith in Urban Sea and her efforts and dedication from breeding from her and her understanding of the thoroughbred that has made this success possible.
"Some 15 years ago she was alone in thinking that Urban Sea could be the top broodmare in the world. Today I think it would be very difficult to disagree with her.
"Against all odds with only one mare she was able to make a dream come true. 2009 will stay in my memory as the best year of my life."
