Shadwell’s champion Baaeed welcomes first foal: It’s a filly!

The bay foal born at Haras de la Perelle in Normandy is the first offspring of Mejthaam, who was also bred by Shadwell like Baaeed. Mejthaam, a successful three-year-old, is the half-sister of last season’s Group 2 York Stakes winner Alflaila. The foal, a daughter of Exceed And Excel, is described as strong, good-sized, energetic, and having a great temperament. The manager of Haras de la Perelle, William Rimaud, expressed delight and excitement at having the first foal of champion Baaeed.

Mejthaam, along with the carrying filly, was sold for 260,000gns to Chantilly Bloodstock Agency from Watership Down Stud at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. The family has been nurtured by the late Sheikh Hamdan and the Shadwell team. Baaeed’s first book of mares was limited to 162, ensuring that only top-level winners were covered by the six-time Group 1 champion, including Deirdre, Eshaada, Nazeef, Persuasive, Queen’s Trust, Seal Of Approval, Search For A Song, Star Of Seville, The Fugue, and Wavering.

Baaeed, unbeaten at three and a son of Sea The Stars, achieved victories including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Prix du Moulin. Baaeed is a full-brother to last season’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Hukum, who starts his stallion career at Darley in Japan this season. Both are fifth generation homebreds for Shadwell, descending from Sheikh Hamdan’s blue hen Height Of Fashion.

Baaeed retired to stud at a fee of £80,000, unchanged for the 2024 season. The stallions, Baaeed and the homebred Juddmonte International and Prince Of Wales’s Stakes winner Mostahdaf, can be inspected at Beech House Stud in Newmarket. They will be shown between 12 and 3.30pm on Thursday and Friday.