ELJOHAR [IRE] (ch, 1997, by Nashwan out of Mehthaaf, by Nureyev).
Standing at Mukteshwar Stud, Garh Mukteshwar, Uttar Pradesh.

Located in one of the most fertile areas in the country  the Doab (the alluvial tract between the Yamuna and Ganga)  is the Mukteshwar Stud, home of this superbly-bred product of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Estate.

Beginning his career with Godolphin, Eljohar [IRE] placed third at his only start at 3. Persevered with at 4, he was redirected to John Gosden, and sported his breeder's silks during his two public appearances that season, both runner-up efforts (once by a short head). It says something of the hopes entertained about him that he remained with Gosden and finally won at his fourth start, which came during his fourth season in training. Incidentally, at this time he was lead horse for the stable star sprinter, Malhub (successful that year in the Golden Jubilee Stakes (Gr.1), at Royal Ascot) and matched strides with him in morning work.

Only once beaten, Nashwan raced in the same colours, recording a magnificent Classic double in the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby of 1989 which he followed by an even better brace (against older horses) in the Eclipse Stakes and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. This Gr.1 quartet has never been achieved since. Amongst his better get have been the outstanding Swain and Bago.

Also a Hamdan-owned runner, Mehthaaf triumphed in the Madagans 1000 Guineas (Gr.1), in Newmarket and is a three-parts-sister in blood to Elnadim (sire). Their dam was a half-sister to Colorado Dancer (herself dam of the ill-fated Dubai Millennium) and to numerous other top class performers which have left an indelible mark on the Thoroughbred such as Fort Wood (leading sire in South Africa). This is the famed Fall Aspen family.

If any of Eljohar [IRE]'s 20 first crop foals can derive even a modicum of his rich genetic heritage, Indian racegoers can look forward to some exciting competition.