There are few if any better bred stallions in South Africa than the Hemel ‘N Aarde Stud based Alado.
The latter, who shares his sire Danzig with such outstanding stallions as Danehill, Green Desert and War Front, is from arguably the most potent female line in the stud-book, with Alado tracing back directly in female to the mighty Mumtaz Mahal.

One of the fastest fillies ever seen on the British racetrack, Mumtaz Mahal founded one of the greatest dynasties ever achieved on the turf, with her numerous outstanding descendants including the likes of Nasrullah, Royal Charger, Abernant, Shergar, Golden Horn, Octagonal, Zarkava, Cracksman, Aussie Rules, Igugu, Petite Etoile, and hugely influential sire Kalamoun.

Mumtaz Mahal is also the ancestress of outstanding racemares , the own-sisters Albanova (Germany’s Horse Of The Year in 2004) and Alborada, both of whom were sired by Alzao. After fracturing her pedal bone as a foal, Alborada could not be sent to the sale, which meant she was raced by breeder Kirsten Rausing.

Making just ten starts in three seasons, the charismatic grey won six of her ten starts which included back to back runnings of the G1 Champion Stakes(where she beat colts, each time) , with Alborada also claiming victory in the 1997 G3 C.L. Weld Park Stakes, the 1998 G2 Nassau Stakes, and the 1998 G2 Pretty Polly Stakes (both the Nassau and Pretty Polly Stakes are now G1 races).

Unlike many outstanding racemares, Alborada went on to enjoy a productive stint at stud, before dying in 2012.
The multiple G1 winner left behind no fewer than five black type performers, as well as Hemel ‘N Aarde’s own sire Alado, with Alborada’s offspring headed by Ruby Stakes (Ireland)  winner Algonquin (a subsequent Group winner in Australia),  French stakes winner Alvarita, G2 Prix Greffuhle runner up Albion and 2018 G3 Festival Stakes winner My Nordic Hero.

Alborada’s daughters are also proving successful producers, with Alvarita the granddam of both 2019 European Free Handicap winner Shine So Bright and G2 Park Hill Stakes winner Alyssa. Alvarita is also second dam of G3 Prix Thomas Bryon heroine Alea Iacta.

Alborada’s son Alado has made his mark at stud in South Africa through a number of very talented performers –despite not having had the opportunity of large books of mares.  to cover big books of mares.  His progeny include G2 Selangor Cup winner Rocket Countdown, the high class stakes performers Half Moon Hotel and Northern Conquest, talented fillies Adorada, Awesomeness and Pale Lilac, and classy gallopers Aldato and Flying Winger.

Given his pedigree, Alado also looks set to make his mark as a broodmare sire over the coming years, and it is worth noting that respected judges Marsh Shirtliff and Michael Roberts both recently acquired Alado stock!