Breeding plans have been announced for Shadwell’s Malathaat, the Eclipse Award-winning 3yo filly of 2021 headed to Into Mischief. Malathaat is likely to secure a second Eclipse Award, with the now 5yo Curlin mare widely expected to be honoured as Champion Older Dirt Mare of 2022 in the Eclipse Awards ceremony on 26 January in South Florida.
Last year, the Todd Pletcher trainee won four of six starts, highlighted by three consecutive Grade One victories in the Personal Ensign Stakes, Spinster Stakes and Breeders' Cup Distaff. The latter race at Keeneland on 5 November was a thriller, Malathaat, under John Velazquez, prevailing in a photo from Blue Stripe and Clairiere, all three crossing the line locked in battle.
BOWED OUT A BC HEROINE
Malathaat was retired shortly after the Breeders' Cup Distaff and arrived at Shadwell Farm near Lexington on 7 November. The racing and breeding operation of Shadwell is now headed by Sheikha Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum, the daughter of the late Sheikh Hamdan, the empire’s founder. "We're excited. She's doing very well," said Jonny Smyth, one of the managers of Shadwell Farm.
"We spoke with Sheikha Hissa and did our mating plans, and decided on Into Mischief, which we felt was a great cross, maybe give her a bit of speed. "Look, we're excited. She's a beautiful mare. We're fortunate to have her. We're really happy she's going to Into Mischief. We'll look forward to her babies."
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