Horse Racing Icon Mostahdaf Faces Retirement After a Stellar Career

Mostahdaf was previously ranked second and the 5-2 favorite. Bred by Shadwell Estate Company and trained by John and Thady Gosden, Mostahdaf, a 5-year-old son of Frankel, achieved remarkable victories across continents this year. He triumphed in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot and claimed victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York, following a win in the Turf Cup (G2) in Saudi Arabia during the winter

Mostahdaf’s 2023 season shone brightly with victories in two of Europe’s prestigious races clocking time greater than that achieved by his famous sire Frankel. Nevertheless, a recent statement has caused shock waves among equestrians both locally and internationally.

Unexpected transition in horse racing

TDN shared a surprising announcement on X, captioned as “Mostahdaf is new to @ShadwellStud for 2024. This son of Frankel is retiring with a rating of 128 after securing wins in the Prince of Wales’s and the Juddmonte International.”

At the Breeders’ Cup, it was revealed that Mostahdaf would retire following his last race in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. This marked the relocation of all of Shadwell’s UK-based stallions, notably including Mostahdaf. The equine achieved a remarkable victory in the Juddmonte International, a feat unmatched in 15 years and finally it’s today confirmed.

Mostahdaf’s stellar lineage

Mostahdaf, victorious in ten out of 16 starts and boasting prize earnings totaling £2.4 million, descends from the Dubawi mare Handassa, herself a stakes winner over a mile. His lineage connects him with Nazeef, a dual Group 1-winning miler, and traces back to renowned sprinters Pastoral Pursuits and Goodricke. Stephen Collins, Shadwell’s European bloodstock manager, expressed enthusiasm regarding Mostahdaf’s retirement to the renovated Beech House stallion complex in Newmarket. Collins commended Mostahdaf’s exceptional achievements, notably his historic Group 1 victories in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and the Juddmonte International, highlighting his impressive pedigree and adaptability in racing.

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Angus Gold, the operation’s racing manager, commended Mostahdaf’s consistency and versatility throughout his racing career, while trainer John Gosden emphasized the horse’s admirable qualities. His words read, “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.”

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