York, UK/New Zealand – Alflaila (GB), the highly successful dual Group 2 York Stakes winner owned by Shadwell, has been retired from racing and will commence his stallion career at White Robe Lodge in New Zealand later this year, the stud announced on Monday.
Trained by Owen Burrows, Alflaila concluded his racing career with an impressive record of seven wins from 19 starts, amassing over £550,000 in prize money. His notable victories include the Group 3 Strensall Stakes and the Group 3 Darley Stakes in 2022. Additionally, he delivered a strong performance in 2023, finishing fourth in the prestigious Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, before returning to York to clinch his second consecutive victory in the Group 2 York Stakes.
“He repeatedly proved he belonged at the top level,” Burrows stated, reflecting on Alflaila’s career. “He was sharp enough to win over six furlongs first out as a two-year-old and he showed a brilliant turn of foot that day.”
Alflaila's pedigree is equally impressive. He is one of three winners from three runners produced by the Listed-placed Adhwaa (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who herself is out of the Listed Cheshire Oaks winner Hammiya (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}).
White Robe Lodge is particularly optimistic about Alflaila's potential, buoyed by the success of another son of Dark Angel (Ire), Harry Angel (Ire), in the Southern Hemisphere. Notably, Private Harry (Aus) recently won the Group 1 Kia Ora Galaxy at Rosehill.
“With the way he's going in Australia, Harry Angel is the youngest stallion in the top ten at the moment,” said Jack Stewart of White Robe Lodge, speaking to The Thoroughbred Report. “Everyone knows the sireline now. We're pretty lucky to have Australia right next door. They [New Zealand breeders] would have respected the Dark Angel line already, but it helps that a son is already down in this area and going well.
“It's a great damsire line as well. The first two damsires are champion sires and the third damsire is Fairy King, who has been superb in this part of the world, too. It's just one of those things where him on type, and then his race performance and pedigree, too, it all just makes sense for us.”
Stewart further emphasized Alflaila’s competitive spirit, stating, “He won seven races and five of them were at stakes level. He lined up and he pinned his ears back, and you could just tell when you watched the race, that he had a real will to win.”
Alflaila will stand at White Robe Lodge at an introductory fee of NZ$7,000 in 2025, with a limited number of lifetime breeding rights available.
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