AL SHAQAB RACING’s multiple Group winning 2-year-old & dual Gr.1 performing sophomore LUSAIL has been retired from racing to stand at Haras de Bouquetot, France.
One of already ten Group 1 performers by our leading sire MEHMAS, LUSAIL has sported a most consistent race career at 2 & 3 years old with trainer Richard Hannon. Breaking his maiden on debut in May of his 2-year-old season, LUSAIL went on to score three additional successes in a row, showing a blisteringly quick turn of foot to land two of the most anticipated juvenile races in England, the July Stakes Gr.2 at Newmarket and the Gimcrack Stakes Gr.2 at York.
A runner-up to Perfect Power in the Greenham Stakes Gr.3 on his 3-year-old return, LUSAIL’s sophomore season was highlighted by a double of Gr.1 performances. Only denied a head by Coroebus in the St James’s Palace Stakes Gr.1 over the mile at Royal Ascot, LUSAIL went on to score a close third in the Prix Jean Prat Gr.1 over 7f at Deauville, leaving the likes of both French Guineas winners in his wake.
Lusail wins the Gimcrack Stakes Gr.2 at York
His trainer Richard Hannon commented:
“LUSAIL was one of the most straight forward and relaxed speed machines that I have ever trained. He was top class over 6f-1m, with an excellent temperament to match his ability.”
Haras de Bouquetot Stud Manager Benoit Jeffroy added:
“Haras de Bouquetot is delighted to welcome another multiple Group-winning, precocious, and speedy 2-year-old of the caliber of LUSAIL, and to provide French breeders with an opportunity to access a son of our rising star Mehmas, who had also won the July Stakes Gr.2 at 2. LUSAIL is a tough and consistent horse who's also excelled at the highest level at 3 years old, and whose dam is a sister to Champion sprinter Fayr Tag, a Royal Ascot Gr.1 winner.”
LUSAIL’s stud fee will be announced at a later stage. He will be available for viewing at Haras de Bouquetot during the Arqana December Sales.