Baaeed, the winner of six Group 1 races and, at 135, the highest-rated turf racehorse anywhere in the world, will join the Shadwell stallion roster at Nunnery Stud in Norfolk for 2023.
Shadwell's homebred colt has an impeccable pedigree, being by the brilliant world champion Sea The Stars out of the Listed-winning Kingmambo mare Aghareed, making him a full-brother to this season's Group 1 Coronation Cup winner Hukum.
Aghareed is out of Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf heroine Lahudood, who is descended from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's blue hen mare Height Of Fashion, the dam of top-class performers Nashwan, Nayef and Unfuwain.
Baaeed was expertly prepared by William Haggas to win all his six starts at three, including wide-margin successes in the listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket and the G3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood.
He made his breakthrough at the highest level by beating Group 1 winners Order Of Australia, Victor Ludorum and Snow Lantern to take the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, and signed off for the 2021 season by outbattling world champion miler Palace Pier to score in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
Baaeed was even better this season at four, winning three prestigious Group 1 contests over a mile, all in impressive fashion. His triumphs in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood were followed by a breathtaking performance on his first start over 10 furlongs in the Juddmonte International at York, where he surged clear of the previous year's winner Mishriff, in electrifying style, to prevail by no less than six and a half lengths.
Baaeed will stand alongside fellow Sussex Stakes victor Mohaather, exciting first-season sire Tasleet and Group 1-winning sprinter Eqtidaar at Nunnery Stud. His nomination fee will be announced in due course.
Sheikha Hissa said: “On behalf of my family, I am delighted to confirm that Baaeed has now been retired to stand at Shadwell's Nunnery Stud for the 2023 season, where he was born in 2018. We are all so proud of what Baaeed has achieved and count ourselves very fortunate to have shared his journey with him. I would like to thank everyone at William's for managing his career so expertly and the teams at Shadwell and Derrinstown for raising him to be the champion that he is.
“His regal pedigree and outstanding conformation will stand him in excellent stead at stud and hopefully attract the top breeders from around the world, so that together we can give Baaeed every chance to prove himself as exceptional a stallion as he was a racehorse.”
Stephen Collins, European Bloodstock Manager said: “Shadwell are honored to welcome Baaeed, the top-rated turf horse in the world to their stallion portfolio. Baaeed has all the qualities that breeders require to make the grade as a successful stallion. He is a magnificent racehorse with superb conformation coupled with a wonderful temperament.
“His exemplary pedigree has been developed and nurtured by the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his family for over 40 years and this renowned bloodline continues to provide so many great racehorses and racing memories for us all.
“I have no doubt that Baaeed will be hugely popular at stud, and we very much look forward to his arrival in a few weeks' time.”
William Haggas said: “We have enjoyed an incredible journey with Baaeed over the last 18 months. His speed, brilliance and raw ability combined with an extraordinarily good temperament have made him a joy to train.
He is unquestionably the best horse ever to have walked through the doors at Somerville Lodge and I hope he enjoys as fruitful a career at stud.”
Angus Gold, racing manager said: “We have been blessed to have Baaeed racing in the Shadwell silks for the last two seasons. Since the first day he set foot on a racecourse he has demonstrated his class, incredible turn of foot and outstanding temperament at every opportunity, highlighted by his magnificent victory in the Juddmonte International at York in August.
As well as being a beautifully balanced horse with enormous presence and his exceptional temperament, Baaeed's greatest asset was his remarkable turn of foot which has been evident on so many occasions, and we are all very excited and proud to launch his stallion career at Nunnery Stud for 2023.”
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