Israr

Biography

Israr is a Thoroughbred who embodies both the majesty of his lineage and the grit of a true competitor. With elegance in motion, a faultless temperament, and a record of high-class performances on the track, he now begins an exciting new chapter as a stallion—ready to carry forward the greatness that defines his bloodline. Bred by Shadwell, Israr is by Muhaarar, the Cartier Champion Sprinter and Group 1-winning son of Oasis Dream. Muhaarar stamped his dominance across Europe, known for his explosive turn of foot and consistent brilliance over six and seven furlongs. As a sire, Muhaarar has produced a range of versatile and progressive progeny, and Israr may be his most complete offering yet. But it is the bottom half of his pedigree that adds remarkable depth: Israr is out of the exceptional mare Taghrooda, a true icon of the turf. Taghrooda made racing history as the winner of both the Epsom Oaks (Group 1) and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) in 2014—beating older colts with style and stamina rarely seen in fillies of her generation. She was crowned Cartier Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year and remains one of Shadwell’s most celebrated homebreds. With such regal parentage, Israr always carried weighty expectations—and he delivered. Trained by John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables, Israr developed into a top-tier middle-distance performer. His most notable victories include a dominant display in the Group 2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket and a classy triumph in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. He also placed in multiple Group races, displaying courage, consistency, and a professional attitude in every outing. He retired with an official rating of 113, having competed—and won—at the highest levels. Renowned jockey Jim Crowley, who rode Israr in his key races, speaks highly of the colt’s unique blend of presence and potential: “I would be surprised if you could find a better-looking horse than Israr. A strong, well put together individual with a beautiful head. He is an extremely good mover and well balanced at all paces. He also has one of the best temperaments of any racehorse I have ridden. Besides being exceptional on the track, he is the type of horse that could have excelled in any discipline.” Trainer John Gosden echoes this admiration: “Lovely horse with a great temperament. Showed a lot of class in his races, winning a Group 2 at Newmarket and the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. His mother was a true champion.” With his world-class pedigree, Group-race winning form, and quiet class, Israr is the very definition of a modern stallion prospect. He brings together the best of speed, stamina, and mental soundness—qualities that breeders across disciplines can trust. Israr now stands ready to leave his mark in the breeding shed, just as he did on the track.