Three-time Group 1 winner and Classic heroine Nashwa retired - as younger brother is set for Saturday's Futurity Trophy

Top racemare Nashwa has been retired to stud after a successful global career which yielded three Group 1 wins and close to £1.7 million in prize money just a few days before her younger brother Nebras bids to keep the family name in lights at Doncaster. 

A daughter of Frankel, Nashwa won five of her 18 career starts for John and Thady Gosden including a breakthrough first Classic success for breeders Blue Diamond Stud when landing the Prix de Diane in 2022.

Later that year, Nashwa landed the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood before finishing second in the Group 1 Prix de l’Opera and then fourth at the Breeders’ Cup.

As a four-year-old, Nashwa showed her versatility when winning the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes over a mile before being placed against the colts in the Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes.

Nashwa bows out after bringing up the rear in the Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Hollie Doyle salutes the crowd after Nashwa's Nassau Stakes winCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Imad Al Sagar, said: "Imad has decided to retire Nashwa and she will be a great addition to the stud as she is a gorgeous example of a Frankel. She’s a Classic winner and a three-time Group 1 winner and gave us some great days over the last three years.

"It was a huge day for Imad’s Blue Diamond operation when she won the Prix de Diane in 2022. It was really exciting day for everyone and she took us many great places in her career. 

"Last year she showed her versatility by winning the Falmouth before fantastic placed efforts in the Juddmonte and the Irish Champion Stakes."

Nashwa had a tricky campaign this year, which started in Dubai In March, and Grimthorpe said: "It’s a pity this year didn’t work out but those are the dangers. She’s now off to the paddocks and Imad is currently sorting out mating plans, which is one of those nice problems to have. 

"She’ll be a fantastic addition to Blue Diamond Stud which currently has about 40 mares worldwide in total."

Hollie Doyle, who partnered Nashwa in all 18 of her starts, said: "Nashwa helped me to take my career to new heights by giving me my first Classic winner. She's a very special filly for Blue Diamond Stud and doesn't owe anyone anything. Hopefully she'll make a great broodmare."

As one door closes, another one has conveniently opened for the family as Nashwa’s half-brother Nebras, who is by Dubawi, has been added to the field for Saturday’s Group 1 William Hill Futurity Stakes (2.40) at Doncaster.

Nebras: Nashwa's relative won at NewmarketCredit: Steve Davies

Grimthorpe said: "It’s the circle of life if you like. Obviously it’s going to be a big ask for Nebras, but John and Thady wanted to give him two starts as a juvenile so we have happily funnelled towards Doncaster."

Nebras came from off the pace to deny the more streetwise Wild Nature by half a length in a mile maiden at Newmarket on October 5.

Grimthorpe added: "We know he stays a mile as he showed when winning on his debut at Newmarket which was pretty encouraging as he was switched off in the early stages of the race and then found a nice turn of foot to win it. He came out of that in great shape and we think he’ll handle the ground if it's on the easy side at Doncaster."

Read these next:

'I wasn't surprised but it was just a relief' - Nashwa powers through the rain to land Falmouth Stakes under Hollie Doyle 

Hollie Doyle hails 'horse of a lifetime' Nashwa after awesome Nassau win 

Hollie Doyle wins 'incredible' first Classic on French Oaks heroine Nashwa 

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