Rouhiya (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), winner of the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, has been retired with a setback that would have ruled her out for the remainder of her three-year-old campaign.
Her owner-breeder the Aga Khan has been represented by two Classic winners this season but both have now been retired. Earlier this month, it was announced that the Oaks winner Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) had also been retired to the paddocks.
Speaking after the filly's Classic success at Longchamp for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, Princess Zahra Aga Khan said of Rouhiya, “To win the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches is huge for a breeder and to produce a filly like her is very important for the future. […] This race and the Diane mean everything for us as breeders because they can launch a whole family. For this family to come back in a Group 1 like this adds great value to all her sisters and the entire line.”
Rouhiya made five starts in her short career, breaking her maiden at Deauville last November on her second start. She finished third on her three-year-old debut in the Prix du Louvre before her last-gasp victory in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches under Maxime Guyon. She ran just once more when last of nine in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Rouhiya is the second foal out of Listed-placed Raven's Pass mare Rondonia (Fr), a half-sister to G2 Debutante Stakes winner Raydara (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and from a family which includes the Group 1 winners Ridasiyna (Fr) and Laurens (Fr). The mare has a colt foal by Siyouni (Fr) and is in foal to Sea The Stars (Ire).
Georges Rimaud, manager of the Aga Khan Studs in France, said, “While it is naturally disappointing not to see her again in competition, she represents a very exciting addition to our broodmare band. Prior to Rouhiya, the last winners of the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches for His Highness were Ervedya (Siyouni), who went on to produce Erevann at stud, and Zarkava, the dam of Zarak. Rouhiya represents a different lineage and exemplifies the depth and diversity of our breeding families. We look forward to seeing what her future progeny can do.”
33/1 shock as Rouhiya fends off Kathmandu in the French 1000 Guineas for Maxime Guyon! pic.twitter.com/IJXCN3xcue
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 12, 2024
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