Courtesy of TDN Europe
Mabs Cross (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), who was recently passed in for 1,100,000 gns (AU$2,090,000) at the Tattersalls November, has been acquired by Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Racing after reaching an agreement with the mare’s owner-breeders David and Emma Armstrong.
The 2018 G1 Prix de l’Abbaye winner will be bred to Zoustar, who will shuttle from Widden Stud to stand the 2020 Northern Hemisphere breeding season at Tweenhills Stud.
“It’s really thrilling to acquire a mare of Mabs Cross’s quality, and her purchase is another example of the complete faith we have in the Australian phenomenon that is Zoustar,” said Tweenhills owner David Redvers.
“She adds to our exciting portfolio of high-class race mares and further demonstrates the commitment Sheikh Fahad and his brothers have to breeding top-class thoroughbreds.”
“She adds to our exciting portfolio of high-class race mares and further demonstrates the commitment Sheikh Fahad and his brothers have to breeding top-class thoroughbreds.” - David Redvers
A three-time winner overall at Group level, including consecutive editions of the G3 Palace House S. at Newmarket, Mabs Cross covered herself in glory when third to Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) and Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the 2018 G1 King’s Stand S.
She was also narrowly beaten when second to Alpha Delphini (GB) (Captain Gerrard {Ire}) in last year’s G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe S.
David Redvers | Image courtesy of Tattersalls
Sprinting awards
She was named Sprinter of the Year at the 2018 Cartier Awards and was the recipient of the Outstanding Sprinter Award at the Racehorse Owners Association Awards.
Bred by the Armstrongs’ Highfield Farm LLP, Mabs Cross stakes-winning dam is also responsible for US Grade 3 winner Charlie Em (GB) (Kheleyf {USA}).
Other potential broodmares bought recently with the specific intention of visiting Zoustar in the future include this year’s stakes-winning juveniles Good Vibes (GB) (Due Diligence {USA}) and Orlaith (Ire) (Fastnet Rock).
Both will race on in 2020 with Good Vibes set to become the first horse Qatar Racing has had with Mabs Cross’s trainer Michael Dods.
Zoustar will cover mares at a fee of £30,000 (AU$56,200) at Tweenhills.
Zoustar | Standing at Widden Stud
