A dozen horses, both stallions and in-foal mares, were stolen from Libya's Al Shaab Stud on Saturday, the stud's General Manager Dr. Amad Eshab announced via Twitter on Sunday. The raid was conducted by militia loyal to the Libyan National Army which opposes the current interim government. The largest Thoroughbred breeding operation in the country, Al Shaab Stud was home to the stallions SW Eavesdropper (Kingmambo)-a half-brother to Horse of the Year and top sire A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew), Australian Group 2 winner Churchill Downs (Aus) (Danehill), G3 Solario S. hero Raise a Grand (Ire) (Grand Lodge), the winning pair of Backdraft (Aus) (Testa Rossa {Aus}) and Brut Force (Aus) (Giant's Causeway), and Metternich (Seeking the Gold). The story was first reported in Bloodhorse.
“I am so sad and my heart is broken [and that of] my family,” tweeted Eshab, who also serves as the stud's veterinarian. “It is my life's work, for my country and countrymen. I preserve the national heritage and now this terrible assault. It is too cruel.”
The militants came from the Libyan city of Tarhuna and also looted everything from veterinary equipment to furniture, generators, jars and water pumps according to Eshab.
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