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| Staff Writer |
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In a significant development for European breeding, two outstanding performers from the 2023 season are embarking on their next chapters, with King Of Steel heading to stud duties while Nashwa retires to the paddocks after illustrious racing careers.
The Classic-placed King Of Steel, who provided Frankie Dettori with an emotional victory in the Gr.1 Champion Stakes at Ascot, will commence his stallion career at Tally-Ho Stud in County Westmeath. The Kentucky-bred son of Wootton Bassett retires with earnings of US$1,845,512, highlighted by his commanding triumph over subsequent Australian Group One winner Via Sistina.
Previous winners of the Champion Stakes include the mighty Brigadier Gerard (1971-72), New Approach (2008), and Cracksman (2017-18), who all went on to successful stud careers.
Three-time Group One winner Nashwa, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has been retired following her final start in this year's Champion Stakes. The daughter of Frankel amassed career earnings of approximately US$2.1 million, with her crowning achievement being a historic victory in the 2022 Gr.1 Prix de Diane for her rider Hollie Doyle.
As Nashwa heads to the breeding shed, her promising half-brother Nebras (Dubawi) is maintaining family honours, having recently won at Newmarket and now targeting the Gr.1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. The progression of these siblings underscores the strength of their damline, with Nebras aiming to emulate past Futurity winners like High Chaparral and Authorized.
"King of Steel has been an outstanding flagbearer for Amo Racing, perfectly exemplifying the ambitions of our operation," said owner Kia Joorabchian. "Last year's Champions Day was one of the greatest moments in racing history, as we witnessed King of Steel deliver a stunning performance for Frankie Dettori on his final ride at Ascot. Over the past season, he truly established himself as one of the standout horses of his generation."
Dettori added, "King of Steel wrote an Ascot Champion Stakes finale that not even Steven Spielberg could have imagined. He's a horse blessed with everything you want from a champion—physicality, cruising speed, a change of gear, and above all, the will to win."
Speaking about Nashwa's retirement, racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: "It was a huge day for Imad's Blue Diamond operation when she won the Prix de Diane in 2022. It was really exciting day for everyone and she took us many great places in her career."
Doyle, who partnered Nashwa throughout her career, reflected: "Nashwa helped me to take my career to new heights by giving me my first classic winner. She's a very special filly for Blue Diamond Stud and doesn't owe anyone anything. Hopefully, she'll make a great broodmare."
King Of Steel's fee at Tally-Ho will be announced soon, while mating plans for Nashwa are being finalised by owner Imad Al Sagar's Blue Diamond Stud operation, which manages approximately 40 broodmares worldwide.