shadwell stallions
The fantastic time enjoyed on the track over the last couple of years has seen a reversal of Shadwell’s recent fortunes; there is a buzz in the air on the stud farm Martin Stevens catches up with the organisation’s European bloodstock manager Stephen Collins
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HAT A DIFFERENCE A few years have made for Shadwell. The operation had already embarked on a significant downsizing exercise, reducing its herd and selling land, before its founder Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum passed away in 2021, which led many to wonder whether it would continue at all. But, thanks to a fine run of form for horses bred and bought under the late Sheikh’s expert eye, and his perceptive and passionate daughter Sheikha Hissa taking over the reins, Shadwell enters 2024 in robust health. There has been no shortage of success on the track. Last year Baaeed, a scion of Sheikh Hamdan’s outstanding Height Of Fashion dynasty, won six elite races in a row to be rated the best in Europe since Frankel, while his full-brother Hukum strolled to victory in the Group 1 Coronation Cup in 2022 and came out best of a memorable tussle with Westover in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) this year. The US-based Malathaat was the Eclipse champion three-year-old filly in 2021 and champion older Dirt female the following year. In 2023 the illustrious royal blue silks with white epaulets have been carried to Group 1 victory by not only Hukum but also Alfareeq (Jebel Hatta), Al Husn (Nassau Stakes), Anmaat (Prix d’Ispahan), Danyah (Al Quoz Sprint) and Mostahdaf (Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Juddmonte International). Shadwell also owns plenty of smart two-
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year-olds to suggest that the good times will continue next year and beyond. Alyanaabi won the Tattersalls Stakes (G3) and finished second to City Of Troy in the Dewhurst Stakes (G1), and the unexposed winners Alshinfarah, Elmonjed, Markoon and Murashah all hold abundant promise. The Shadwell stallion roster is also in rude health. The British division, formerly based at Nunnery Stud in Thetford but relocating to Beech House Stud in Newmarket in 2024, features Baaeed, the top miler Mohaather and the newcomer Mostahdaf, while the Irish offering, housed at Derrinstown Stud in County Kildare, contains the commercial bright young thing Minzaal and the widely respected bargain proposition Awtaad. Not bad, all in all, for an operation that was supposedly on the brink of disappearing at the start of the decade. “The only sad thing about the brilliant last couple of years is that Sheikh Hamdan was not here to see the fruits of all his work and dedication,” reflects Shadwell’s European bloodstock manager Stephen Collins at the end of an eventful Flat season. “Next year’s two-year-olds will be the last crop representing his direct involvement. “It’s fantastic that Sheikha Hissa has taken on the family’s interests with such passion and attention to detail, and we’re thrilled she’s achieving so much success. Baaeed is a horse who would headline any owner’s career, but to have the likes of Malathaat, Mostahdaf, Hukum, Anmaat, Al Husn, Minzaal, Alfareeq and Danyah all winning at the highest level internationally within such
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