Shadwell homebred Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}–Handassa {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}), a dual Group 1 winner, will stand at Beech House Stud next season after a final start in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf on Saturday, the operation announced on Thursday. He will join the Shadwell UK roster which is relocating permanently to Newmarket.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the dark bay won five of his first six starts at three, including the G3 Darley S. At four, both the G3 Gordon Richards S. and G3 September S. went his way, and he also ran second twice more–in the G3 Brigadier Gerard S. and in Royal Ascot's G2 Hardwicke S.
It was as a 5-year-old that the son of Handassa really shone, taking the G2 Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia in February, before a close fourth in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in Dubai a month later. His final two starts were won by a combined five lengths, with the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. going his way at Royal Ascot, and then he secured the G1 Juddmonte International at York in August. His current record features 10 wins in 16 starts with earnings of $3,000,193.
Stephen Collins, European bloodstock manager for Shadwell, said, “Shadwell are delighted that Mostahdaf will retire to the newly refurbished Beech House stallion complex in Newmarket. He has all the attributes to become a successful stallion.
“Mostahdaf was an outstanding winner of both the Group 1 Prince of Wales's S., the highest-rated winner of the race since Dubai Millennium in 2000, and the Group 1 Juddmonte International S. at York in the same year. A truly remarkable historic double achieved by only two horses in the last 50 years.
“He possesses a pedigree packed with natural speed being closely related to two champion Group 1 winning sprinters. Mostahdaf demonstrated his incredible turn of foot by winning over seven-furlongs on debut and winning three races at a mile at three before being stepped up in trip.
“A quality, well balanced, imposing individual, with an athletic walk, he should prove very popular with breeders.”
Out of the listed winner Handassa, Mostahdaf is a half-brother to the high-class Nazeef (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who won the Sun Chariot S. and Falmouth S., both Group 1 races. Under his third dam are the pair of Group 1-winning sprinters and sires Pastoral Pursuits (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}) and Goodricke (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}).
Angus Gold, racing manager for Shadwell, said, “Mostahdaf has been a top-class horse for the last three seasons, from showing his speed when winning five of his six races as a 3-year-old between seven furlongs and a mile; he then displayed his clear versatility and ability over further.
“Mostahdaf never missed a day's training and was a thorough professional throughout his career; his enthusiasm for his work, together with his outstanding physique and speed, should make him a very attractive prospect for breeders.”
John Gosden said of the 128-rated 5-year-old, “Mostahdaf has always been a pleasure to train. Sound and always positive and generous in his work. His action is superb and fluent with a high cruising speed and electric acceleration. A horse who has been very consistent throughout his career.”
A fee for Mostahdaf and the rest of the UK roster will be announced in due course. Formerly Shadwell's UK stallion base, Nunnery Stud will remain a private base for the foaling of all of Shadwell's mares vising UK-based stallions.
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