First published in The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine Volume I Issue IV July 2017.
Celebrating the Champions – Fadi Al Shaqab.
At the recent Arabian Breeders’ World Cup in Las Vegas, the wonderful stallion Fadi Al Shaqab added another title to his name as he took the Senior Male World Cup Championship. At nine years old, this incredibly charismatic bay stallion has already enjoyed a rich show career on three continents.
Bred and born at Michael Byatt Arabians in Texas and owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Member of Qatar Foundation, Fadi Al Shaqab was born in 2008. He is by the gentle giant Besson Carol (Parys El Jamaal x Classic Krystall), a producer of a great many champions around the world, and who also stood at Michael’s for many years. Fadi Al Shaqab’s dam, meanwhile, is one of many beautiful mares bred by Marieta Salas at her Ses Planes Stud in Mallorca, Abha Myra. Her sire in turn is Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame), who spent two years at Marieta’s farm. Abha Myra’s dam is ZT Ludjkalba (Ludjin El Jamaal x ZT Shakalba), making her a full brother to Abha Qatar; ZT Ludjkalba was sadly lost just after foaling this future world champion. With such a phenomenal pedigree, that also incorporates two of Al Shaqab Stud’s most famous stallions, Fadi Al Shaqab truly represents their world-renowned breeding programme, with many noting that he very much resembles his grandsire, Marwan Al Shaqab.
Proving that he has the substance to back up his pedigree, Fadi Al Shaqab has been very successful in the show-ring. As a two-year old, this iridescent bay colt took titles including Gold Junior Male Champion at both Al Khalediah Arabian Horse Festival and the Mediterranean & Arab Countries Arabian Horse Championships in Menton. Other titles earned that year included Bronze Junior Male Champion at both the Qatar International Arabian Horse Championships and the Qatar National Championships. Fadi Al Shaqab ended his two-year old season as Silver Junior Male World Champion, having shown at the Paris World Championships.
Fadi Al Shaqab. Credit Stuart Vesty.
In 2012, now four years of age, Fadi Al Shaqab made a return to the show-ring and was named Gold Senior Male Champion both at Al Khalediah Arabian Horse Festival and the Qatar International Arabian Horse Championships. Then, in 2013, Fadi Al Shaqab returned to the Paris World Championships once more, and was named Gold Senior Male World Champion. By now, Fadi was now also breeding, and he has produced many beautiful and exotic progeny in Europe and the Middle East.
Fadi Al Shaqab then returned to Michael Byatt Arabians in the US and the decision was made to take him to the Arabian Breeders’ World Cup in April. Handled by Michael, it was showmanship at its best as Fadi Al Shaqab not only won his class, but also the highest score of the show. Come championship day, this powerful, dynamic stallion truly shone and was named Supreme Senior Male Champion. Fittingly, at the show, Al Shaqab Stud was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Of Fadi Al Shaqab, Michael says: “He has perfect balance, extreme smoothness, and an idealistic Arabian type. He is nothing less than a stunning display to all that encounter him. He is the portrait of Arabian refinement and elegance. Fadi Al Shaqab embodies the greatness of his extraordinary pedigree, with his unique lineage representing some of the most significant international bloodlines in the history of breeding and show horses.”
Certainly, all those who were there in Las Vegas to witness the show will remember Fadi Al Shaqab. He truly is the next step in what has proven to be one of the most extraordinary sire lines in the world.
First printed in The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine Volume I Issue IV July 2017. To enjoy further content such as this, please visit The Arabian Magazine Shop.
