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A ninth Stakes success for the enigmatic gelding

Shadwell’s admirable old stager Al Aasy notched his ninth victory in black-type company, and tenth overall, when scoring decisively in a competitive renewal of the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown on Friday.

The William Haggas-trained eight-year-old showed a fine turn of foot to take the lead within the final furlong and bravely held off the challenges of Group 1 hero Ancient Wisdom and the up-and-coming talent Almaqam.

Al Aasy landed the Bahrain Trophy at three, the John Porter Stakes and Aston Park Stakes at four, the Buckhounds Stakes at five, the Steventon Stakes and Rose of Lancaster Stakes at six and the Glorious Stakes and Geoffrey Freer Stakes at seven. He was also beaten a neck into second in the Coronation Cup in 2021.

Maureen Haggas, who assists her husband William, said after the race: “We knew Al Aasy was in good form and he has looked great all winter. He is paying us back for looking after him in his earlier years and is just a lovely horse to have about. 

“I think Jim Crowley has really got the hang of him by just waiting and waiting, and the mile and a quarter pace suited him better. I was worried he might be too fresh but Jim gave him a beautiful ride.  

“I think both a stiff mile and a quarter and a mile and a half will suit him. We'll look around and find something for him.”

Al Aasy is by the world champion Sea The Stars and out of the winning Shamardal mare Kitcara, making him a full-brother to smart types Align The Stars and Sea Karats.

Brilliant six-time Group 1 winner Baaeed, who stands under the Shadwell banner at Beech House Stud in Newmarket, is also by Sea The Stars.

Widely regarded value option Awtaad, another Shadwell stallion based at Derrinstown Stud in County Kildare, is bred along similar lines to Al Aasy as he is by Sea The Stars’ sire Cape Cross and out of a Shamardal mare.