THE list of great stallions that have stood for generations at Garryrichard Stud reads like a who’s who of National Hunt sire royalty. In the modern era Jeremy (Danehill Dancer) flew the flag prominently, while his paternal sibling Hillstar (Danehill Dancer) is off to a promising start, and he is a stallion that will feature prominently as time goes by.

Now Denis Hickey’s Co Wexford stud welcomes a newcomer to the stallion ranks in good time for the 2022 covering season, the beautifully-bred Almighwar. The deal to acquire him for Garryrichard was brokered by Luke Lillingston. The agent describes the son of Dubawi (Dubai Millennium) as a “genetic masterpiece”, being out to European Champion three-year-old filly Taghrooda (Sea The Stars) and hailing from the top-class Aga Khan family of the Group 1 Irish Oaks and Prix Royal Oak winner Ebadiyla (Sadler’s Wells) and the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup heroine Estimate (Monsun).

Almighwar earned an official rating of 102 after two wins over a mile and a half at three, as well as finishing a close second over an extended two miles. After partnering Almighwar to his maiden victory, Jim Crowley commented: “He was devouring the ground towards the end of the race; he really stretched. Look at the size of him; it probably took him until now to fill his frame and he’s a very nice horse.”

Impressive

Few need reminding of Taghrooda’s impressive Group 1 wins in the Epsom Oaks and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the latter victory seeing her become the first three-year-old filly in 38 years to win the prestigious race. She went on to finish third in the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the performance made more notable from a wide draw and it saw her finish best of her age group.

Taghrooda is a daughter of the multiple stakes winner Ezima (Sadler’s Wells), and she was the best winner from her dam, Ebaziya’s full-sister Ezilla (Darshaan). A multiple stakes winner, Ebaziya (Darshaan) is one of just a handful of mares in the history of the thoroughbred to breed four Group 1 winners.

In addition to Ebadiyla and Estimate, mentioned previously, she bred a second Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup winner in Enzeli (Kahyasi), and the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Edabiya (Rainbow Quest). Top-class National Hunt winners also abound in this family.

Champion chaser

Though best known for his progeny’s achievements on the flat, Dubawi is responsible for Grade 1 National Hunt winners Dodging Bullets (Queen Mother Champion Chase, Tingle Creek Chase and Clarence House Chase) and dual Grade 1-winning hurdler Hisaabat. Almighwar’s damsire Sea The Stars (Cape Cross) has also made his presence felt over obstacles through his son Sea The Moon, sire of dual Grade 1 winner Allmankind and dual graded winner Tritonic.

Beautifully-bred

Almighwar was bred and raced by the late Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Estate, whose racing manager Angus Gold commented: “As well as being a beautifully-bred horse, Almighwar is a very good-looking horse with a tremendous temperament. He showed above average ability and was very consistent and I am sure he will breed good-looking stock.”