Multiple Group 1 Winner Nashwa Retires

Top racemare Nashwa  has been retired to stud after a successful global career that yielded three group 1 wins and close to £1.7 million in prize money just a few days before her younger half brother Nebras bids to keep the family name in lights at Doncaster.

A daughter of Frankel  , Nashwa won five of her 18 career starts for John and Thady Gosden, including a breakthrough first classic success for breeders Blue Diamond Stud when landing the Prix de Diane (G1) in 2022.

Later that year, Nashwa landed the Nassau Stakes (G1) at Goodwood before finishing second in the Prix de l'Opera (G1) and then fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T).

As a 4-year-old, Nashwa showed her versatility when winning the 2023 Falmouth Stakes (G1) over a mile before being placed against the colts in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) and Irish Champion Stakes (G1).

Nashwa bows out after bringing up the rear in the Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot Oct. 19.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Imad Al Sagar, said: "Imad has decided to retire Nashwa and she will be a great addition to the stud as she is a gorgeous example of a Frankel. She's a classic winner and a three-time group 1 winner and gave us some great days over the last three years.

"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."

Nashwa had a tricky campaign this year, which started in Dubai In March, and Grimthorpe said: "It's a pity this year didn't work out, but those are the dangers. She's now off to the paddocks and Imad is currently sorting out mating plans, which is one of those nice problems to have. 

"She'll be a fantastic addition to Blue Diamond Stud, which currently has about 40 mares worldwide in total."

Hollie Doyle, who rode Nashwa in all 18 of her starts, said: "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."

As one door closes, another one has conveniently opened for the family. Nashwa's half brother Nebras, who is by Dubawi , has been added to the field for the Futurity Trophy Stakes (G1) at Doncaster Oct. 26.

Grimthorpe said: "It's the circle of life, if you like. Obviously, it's going to be a big ask for Nebras, but John and Thady wanted to give him two starts as a juvenile, so we have happily funneled towards Doncaster."

Nebras came from off the pace to score by half a length in a mile maiden at Newmarket Oct. 5.

Grimthorpe added: "We know he stays a mile as he showed when winning on his debut at Newmarket, which was pretty encouraging as he was switched off in the early stages of the race and then found a nice turn of foot to win it. He came out of that in great shape and we think he'll handle the ground if it's on the easy side at Doncaster."