Muhtathir Passes Away at 25

Four-time highweighted Muhtathir (GB) (Elmaamul-Majmu, by Al Nasr {Fr}), who won twice at the highest level for Godolphin, has passed away from the infirmities of old age, Shadwell Stud announced on Tuesday. The 25-year-old chestnut was bred and raced by Shadwell and trained by John Gosden through his 3-year-old season, where he claimed the G2 Celebration Mile. He was also second in the G1 French 2000 Guineas.  For the rest of his career he bore the silks of Godolphin and was trained by Saeed bin Suroor to victories in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois at five and the G1 Gran Premio Vittorio di Capua the year prior.

Retired with eight wins from 23 starts, he spent most of his stud career at Haras du Mezeray in France, where he sired 18 black-type winners on the Flat, 12 at group level. Doctor Dino (Fr), Mauralakana (Fr), Satwa Queen (Fr), Mille et Mille (GB) and Indonesienne (Ire) made up his quintet of Group 1 winners. As a broodmare sire, Muhtathir has sired 10 black-type winners so far, including Group 1 winners Holdthasigreen (Fr) (Hold That Tiger), Robin of Navan (Fr) (American Post {GB}) and Mkfancy (Fr) (Makfi {GB}). He is also starting to make an impact in the National Hunt sphere, with Cheltenham Festival winner Envoi Allen (Fr) and Grade 1 hurdler Quel Destin (Fr).

“Muhtathir was a hugely talented performer on the racecourse and transferred that ability and will to win to his stock,” said Shadwell Stud Director Richard Lancaster. “He produced several high-class Flat performers and in his later years became a highly sought-after sire of jumpers. He was still hugely popular this year, covering a limited book of 40 mares at €6,000.

“I must give a special mention to the team at Haras du Mezeray, who did a superb job managing the horse and giving him the platform to flourish in his second career.”