English Oaks winner Taghrooda has been retired to begin a new career in the broodmare barn.
The daughter of Sea The Stars was a stunning winner of the Epsom Classic in early June, but it was her victory against her elders and the males in the King George at Ascot that confirmed John Gosden’s charge as an exceptional filly.
She suffered a shock defeat in the Yorkshire Oaks but bounced back to finish third from a wide draw in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
Taghrooda will now be retired to take up broodmare duties for owner-breeder Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum early next year.
“The Arc was always going to be her last run and that has now been confirmed,” Sheikh Hamdan’s racing manager, Angus Gold, said.
“She’s been an absolute star for us. In all my time, the only other filly we’ve had of that class is Salsabil, which shows you how rare they are.
She has more speed than I expected from her pedigree. She is bred to stay, but I was surprised with how much speed she has, but I suppose that comes down to her class and quality.
“She also has the most incredible temperament and I think that is probably the best thing of all about her.
“We had the blip at York when she wasn’t at her absolute best, but, apart from that, she hasn’t let us down once. It’s not too often you can say that.”
Gold said a stallion for Taghrooda’s first mating had not yet been decided.
