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| Staff Writer |
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Trainer John Gosden expressed his delight in training Mostahdaf, as owners Shadwell recently announced that the highly rated horse, currently ranked second best in the world, will retire to stud at Beech House Stud in Newmarket. Prior to his retirement, Mostahdaf will have a farewell run in the Gr.1 Breeders Cup Turf this weekend.
Mostahdaf, who finished fourth in the Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic in March, has had an incredible year so far, winning three of his four starts, including the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia. His subsequent victories at Royal Ascot and in the Juddmonte International at York in August make him a strong contender for the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup.
The son of Frankel will be ridden by jockey Jim Crowley, who missed the York victory due to suspension. Trainer John Gosden, who works alongside his son Thady, spoke highly of Mostahdaf, who is the half-brother of talented race mare Nazeef.
He said, “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.”
Angus Gold, Shadwell’s racing manager, added, “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 three-year-old between seven furlongs and a mile; he then displayed his clear versatility and ability over further.
“Since winning the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia by seven lengths earlier this year, he has come from behind to beat the best 10-furlong horses in Europe at Royal Ascot, and then made all in the Juddmonte International. At York he highlighted both his speed and class by running six of the last eight furlongs under 12 seconds.
“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.”
The UK-based stallions of Shadwell, including Mostahdaf, Baaeed, Tasleet, and Mohaather, will now have a new home at Beech House Stud in Newmarket, which has been recently renovated.