The 2024 season certainly had its highs and lows but none higher than the wins from Anmaat and Raqiya just 2 weeks apart in October and November.
Anmaat ( 6yo son of Awtaad – who stands at Derrinsown for Shadwell) has been with us for 4 seasons now and has been nothing but consistent, only once placing outside of the top 3 throughout his career. His performance in this year’s Group 1 Champion Stakes had everyone’s hearts in their mouth, but his grit and determination in the last furlong when caught in traffic shone through with a well-handled ride from Jim. Anmaat is now back with the Shadwell team for a break and the decision has been made for him to return into training for his 7yo season. Being lightly raced throughout his career it was felt that he had more to offer.
Taking us out to the Breeders Cup meeting in Del Mar for the first time in my career was Raqiya. Running in Group 3 Goldikova Stakes, Raqiya made the trip out to Del Mar well and took to the fast ground as we knew she would. Frankie gave her a brilliant ride and she certainly made her entrance to US racing. Drawn wide Raqiya managed to secure her lead after a furlong and continued to keep her head in front to win comfortably. Raqiya has remained in the US and has joined the Todd Pletcher barn, where she will no doubt continue to showcase her ability on the faster ground than we have over in Europe. Whilst we are sad to see her go, the whole team are excited to watch her career progress.
As for the rest of the 2024 season, many have headed on a much needed holiday, which gives us a chance to focus on a handful of 2 year olds that have yet to make their debut as well as carry out maintenance to our facilities, ready for the next crop of youngster to start arriving in the new year.
2025 will see the return of some familiar faces for the yard as well as some exciting new talent coming through.
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