|
A full brother to the great Octagonal, Mouawad has become something of an enigma. A year younger than his celebrated sibling, Mouawad, except for one unlucky run, was almost unbeaten. His career culminated in a string of three successive Group 1 victories in the autumn of 1997. He won the Australian Guineas, the Futurity Stakes and the George Ryder effortlessly. He appeared to have a mortgage on the Doncaster Handicap, but was withdrawn on the race eve with a minor tendon injury. The colt was then syndicated, and retired prematurely to stud. Shortly into what should have been an illustrious stallion career, it become clear Mouawad was experiencing fertility problems. Following much media speculation, an insurance claim was reached, and the horse offered for public auction, where he sold for $500,000. Although initially rumoured to be returning to the track, the details of Mouawad's sale remain a mystery. There are reports of a failed attempt to correct the infertility problem, and a decision was expected at the beginning of August. For Australian breeding, his loss is indeed a great one.
|