'He has all the attributes of a future champion sire' - Al Hakeem retired to stand at Haras de Bouquetot

Al Shaqab Racing's high-class Al Hakeem has retired from racing and will take up stallion duties at Haras de Bouquetot in Normandy for 2025.

The homebred son of Siyouni was among the leading French middle-distance performers of his generation, winning the Group 2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano after a fourth in the Prix du Jockey Club to Vadeni. 

Also a winner at two, the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained colt also landed the Listed Prix de Suresnes by four lengths before his Classic run. He ended that season with an excellent fourth to Alpinista in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Al Hakeem: set for stud duties in 2025Credit: Edward Whitaker

Al Hakeem sustained a leg injury in early 2023 after being stepped on by another horse during a race, but returned to the track in June and landed the Group 3 Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville in August, beating a field that included 2023 Grand Prix de Paris hero Feed The Flame.

Benoit Jeffroy, Bouquetot’s stud manager, said: "We are proud to welcome home Al Hakeem, an Al Shaqab Racing homebred who was raised at Haras de Bouquetot. He carries an exceptional pedigree, and we are pleased to announce that breeding rights will be offered for sale. Breeders interested in this new stallion should contact our nominations team."

Rouget added: "Al Hakeem is a horse of great heart and courage, and his ability to recover from such a serious injury and return to Group-winning form speaks volumes about his character. He has all the attributes of a future champion sire.”

A fee will be announced at a later date. 

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