What A Cracker - Shalaa New in 2017

One newcomer to the stallion ranks in 2017 that impressed just about everyone who inspected him was the former Champion 2YO in England and France, Shalaa (IRE).

The son of I Am Invincible's sire Invincible Spirit shuttles to Arrowfield Stud from his owner Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's Haras de Bouquetot in Normandy, France.

Haras de Bouquetot also houses Choisir's 4-time Group I winning son Olympic Glory (IRE). High Chaparral's dual Group I winner Toronado (IRE) who shuttles to Swettenham Stud will move to Haras de Bouquetot in 2018 after standing three seasons at The National Stud.

After not showing much interest on debut at Newbury back in May 2015, Shalaa (IRE) rattles off six consecutive wins.

They included the Group I Prix Morny at Deauville and the Group I Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket as well as the Group II July Stakes at Newmarket and the Group II Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.

A $170,000 guineas Tattersalls October Yearling, Shalaa (IRE) made a belated return to the racetrack at three after a pelvic injury.

He captured the Group III Bengough Stakes at Ascot before his career came to an end when unplaced in the Group I British Championships Sprint won by The Tin Man.

Shalaa (IRE) is out of the Grade III placed Ghurra, a daughter of Yarrandale Stud superbly bred Breeders' Cup Mile winner War Chant (USA).

Ghurra is a half-sister to six stakes performers including Sheikh Hamdan's Middle Park Stakes winner Hayil (USA).

Shalaa (IRE) will not want for suitable mates.

In France he covered the remarkable Treve the 2014 and 2015 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine while in Australia among the first mares to pay a visit will be the 5-time Group I winner Miss Finland who is already the dam of Group I MRC One Thousand Guineas winner Stay With Me (Street Cry) as well as the $900,000 yearling purchase by Dundeel (NZ).

Shalaa (IRE) stands his first season at Arrowfield Stud at a fee of $33,000 (inc gst).