Prince Faisal's multiple group 1 winner Mishriff will have the launch of his stallion career delayed until mid-March due to a "non-threatening condition" that does not put his stud career in jeopardy, according to Faisal's breeding operation, Sumbe's Haras de Montfort et Preaux in France.
"Although his condition is of a non-threatening nature and does not put his stallion career in jeopardy, Mishriff will be on stall rest for a while," the farm reported Jan. 3. "Equine welfare ranks at the top of our values, and we are taking every precaution to ensure Mishriff's swift and complete recovery in accordance with our standards.
"This unexpected situation is a big blow for us, all the more considering Mishirff's tremendous popularity and his soaring first book of quality mares. We will soon confer with the owners of all booked mares and find individual solutions. We are thankful for the great anticipation Mishriff has triggered, and we are hopeful for your continuous support today and in the future."
The globetrotting superstar entered stud for 2023 at an advertised fee of €20,000 (US$21,152).
Bred by Nawara Stud Limited, the son of Make Believe retired to Haras de Montfort et Preaux with seven wins and prize money of $16,034,853 in a career that saw him win the 2020 Prix du Jockey Club (G1) at 3 before landing the Saudi Cup (G1), Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), and Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) in a stellar campaign at 4 in 2021.
Mishriff, who also won the Newmarket Stakes and Prix Guillaume d'Ornano-Haras du Logis Saint-Germain (G2), placed a further six times in his career, including when second to Adayar in the 2021 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and a luckless second to Vadeni in this year's Eclipse Stakes (G1).
Out of the winning Raven's Pass mare Contradict and a half brother to stakes winner Orbaan and the multiple group-placed Momkin, Mishriff hails from Faisal's deep family of Prix de Diane Hermes-French Oaks (G1) heroine Rafha and her sons, the top-class stallions Kodiac and Invincible Spirit.
"He suffers a benign pathology," added Mathieu Le Forestier, nominations manager for Sumbe. "This should not be a big issue, but we feel our clients deserve transparency as much as the horse deserves respect."
