First Foal by Shadwell's Champion Baaeed Has Arrived

Shadwell announced the birth of Baaeed (GB)'s first reported foal, one of the most eagerly awaited arrivals of the breeding season. Born at Haras de la Perelle in Normandy, the beautiful bay is the first foal for her dam, Mejthaam, who, like Baaeed, was bred by Shadwell. The daughter of Exceed And Excel (AUS) was twice successful as a 3-year-old and is a half sister to last season's York Stakes (G2) winner Alflaila (GB). Also a dual group 3 winner, the son of Dark Angel (IRE) is an exciting prospect for Shadwell and Owen Burrows this year. William Rimaud, manager of Haras de la Perelle, said: "We are delighted with her. She is a strong, good-sized foal, full of energy, and has a great temperament. She is doing everything right. It is very exciting to have had the first foal of the brilliant champion Baaeed." Mejthaam was sold, carrying the filly, for 260,000gns (US$344,868) to Chantilly Bloodstock Agency from Watership Down Stud at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. The family is one that has been nurtured by the late Sheikh Hamdan and the Shadwell team; Mejthaam is a daughter of Montrose Stakes second Adhwaa (GB) and a half sister to Shaqira (GB), successful in the listed Nereide-Rennen. Her second dam is Cheshire Oaks winner Hammiya (IRE), by Darshaan. Baaeed's first book of mares was limited to 162, which has ensured that only the very best were covered by the six-time group 1 winner. Among the top-level winners who are due foals by Baaeed in the coming weeks are Deirdre (JPN), Eshaada (GB), Nazeef (GB), Persuasive (IRE), Queen's Trust (GB), Seal of Approval (GB), Search For A Song (IRE), Star of Seville (GB), The Fugue (GB), and Wavering (IRE). Some of the world's leading breeders sent mares to Europe's champion 3-year-old miler of 2021 and champion older horse of 2022. Half siblings to group 1 winners including Accidental Agent (GB), Best of Days (GB), Native Trail (GB), Persian King (IRE), Siyarafina (FR), and Ten Sovereigns (IRE) are also expected this spring. Unbeaten at 3, when his victories included the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) and Prix du Moulin (G1), the son of Sea The Stars (IRE) went on to win the Lockinge (G1), Queen Anne (G1), and Sussex Stakes (G1), all over a mile, before successfully stepping up in trip for the Juddmonte International (G1). Trained by William Haggas, he is a full brother to last season's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero, Hukum (IRE), who begins his stallion career at Darley in Japan this season. They are sons of Aghareed, by Kingmambo, who won the listed Prix de Liancourt and is out of the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T) and Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (G1T) winner Lahudood (GB). Baaeed retired to stud at a fee of £80,000, which remains unchanged for the 2024 season.