Imad Al Sagar’s star mare Nashwa is nearing a potential autumn return to the track.
The five-year-old, bred and owned by Al Sagar’s Blue Diamond Stud, has represented the operation at the highest level over recent seasons. Trained by John and Thady Gosden in Newmarket, Nashwa finished third in the Oaks as a three-year-old before winning the Prix de Diane and the Nassau Stakes. She also earned valiant placings in the Prix de l’Opera and the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
As a four-year-old, Nashwa secured a win in the Falmouth Stakes but ran impressive races against colts in the Juddmonte International and the Irish Champion Stakes, finishing second and third respectively.
Earlier this year, she contested the Dubai Turf at Meydan but finished ninth in a field of 16 over a mile and a furlong. Since then, Nashwa has been in training with the Gosdens and is reported to be in good form.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for Al Sagar, reported that Nashwa is cantering and progressing well. He noted that her recovery from Dubai took longer than expected, prompting the decision to give her some extra time and a brief break. She remains with John Gosden and is beginning to move forward again.
Grimthorpe also mentioned that there is no immediate target for Nashwa. They will assess her progress and consider races at a mile or ten furlongs, such as the Opera or the Sun Chariot. The priority will be to evaluate how she responds as she resumes serious training and determine whether she is ready sooner or if she requires more time.