Nashwa Nears Autumn Return: A Star Mare's Journey Back to the Track

Imad Al Sagar's champion mare, Nashwa, is edging closer to a much-anticipated autumn comeback. The five-year-old, owned and bred by Al Sagar's Blue Diamond Stud, has been a beacon of excellence, representing the operation at the pinnacle of horse racing over the past few seasons. Her return is being eagerly awaited by fans and connections alike as she prepares to re-enter the competitive fray.

A Legacy of Success

Trained by the formidable duo of John and Thady Gosden in Newmarket, Nashwa’s career has been nothing short of stellar. As a three-year-old, she placed third in the prestigious Oaks, demonstrating her potential among the elite. She then dazzled in the Prix de Diane, showcasing her versatility by stepping down in trip to claim victory. Her winning streak continued with a triumph in the Nassau Stakes, further solidifying her status as a top-tier contender. The season saw her narrowly miss out on victories in the Prix de l'Opera and the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, where she still managed to secure commendable placings.

Battling with the Best

Nashwa's four-year-old campaign may have included just one victory, but it was a memorable one in the Falmouth Stakes. Her true grit, however, was on display when she took on the colts in the Juddmonte International and the Irish Champion Stakes, where she finished a close second and third, respectively. These performances highlighted her ability to compete at the highest levels, even against male counterparts, reaffirming her position as one of the finest mares in racing.

Dubai Setback and Recovery

Earlier this year, Nashwa’s sights were set on the Dubai Turf at Meydan, one of the marquee events on the global racing calendar. Despite high hopes, she finished ninth in a field of 16, competing at Group One level over a mile and a furlong. The result was not reflective of her true ability, and the taxing journey to the Middle East seemed to take a toll on her.

Since then, Nashwa has not been seen on the track, but she has remained in training with the Gosdens, carefully managed as she recovers from her Dubai exertions. The team has been patient, allowing her the time needed to recuperate fully before pushing forward with her racing career.

Progress and Future Targets

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Al Sagar, provided an update on Nashwa’s current condition, expressing optimism about her progress. "She's in good form, she's cantering, and she's progressing," Grimthorpe reported. "It took her longer to get over Dubai than we expected, so we gave her the time she needed and a little break."

Grimthorpe emphasized that Nashwa has been at John Gosden's yard throughout, steadily moving forward in her training. While there’s no immediate race target, Grimthorpe hinted at possible future engagements, saying, "We'll look at a mile and at 10 furlongs, which could include the Prix de l'Opera or the Sun Chariot as potential targets. But the main focus is on how she’s doing—she might be ready earlier or may need a bit more time."

As Nashwa begins to resume more serious work, her connections remain cautiously optimistic, eager to see how she responds. "She hasn't done any serious work yet, but once that starts, we'll get a clearer picture and make decisions accordingly," Grimthorpe added.

Anticipation Builds for Nashwa's Return

With her autumn return on the horizon, anticipation is building around Nashwa’s next steps. Will she reclaim her spot among the elite and add more victories to her already impressive resume? The racing world waits with bated breath to see how this exceptional mare will fare as she prepares to return to the track. Nashwa’s journey has been one of resilience and brilliance, and her comeback could very well be one of the highlights of the racing season.