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 great start, and he too is the subject of review this week.

Now Denis Hickey’s Co Wexford stud is home to the beautifully-bred Almighwar, and he was busy in his first season last year, and his first foals are now arriving. The deal to acquire him for Garryrichard was brokered by Luke Lillingston, and at the time the agent described the son of Dubawi (Dubai Millennium) as a “genetic masterpiece”, being out to European champion three-year-old filly in 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, both at Kempton Park, 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 and Group 2 runner-up 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 (Grade 1 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.

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.”

ALMIGHWAR (GB), Bay 2017. Won two races, £23,716, over 1½ miles, at 3 years.

Retired to Stud in 2022. First crop are foals

Stands at: Garryrichard Stud, Foulksmills, Co Wexford, Ireland

Contact: Denis Hickey

Telephone: +353 52 565611 or +353 87 9175744

Email: garryrichardstud2020@gmail.com

Fee: €1,500