Dubawi, the most successful stallion ever to stand in the UK and the world’s leading sire, enjoyed yet more success at the highest level on Sunday, 7 October when his superb daughter Wild Illusion landed the G1 Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp.
The Charlie Appleby-trained filly was settled just off the pace in fifth under William Buick and asked to quicken once entering the home straight, responded brilliantly to soon take the lead and easily held Magic Wand at bay to win by a length.
This was her third victory at G1 level, having won the Prix Marcel Boussac at two, before returning to winning ways in this year’s Nassau Stakes, following second places in the Oaks and the Ribblesdale Stakes.
Wild Illusion is out of the Stakes-winning Monsun mare Rumh, who has also produced Shamardal’s Listed winner Really Special. Rumh has two full brothers to Wild Illusion on the ground and is back in foal to Dubawi.
Wild Illusion is one of five G1 winners so far this year for Dubawi, who has also sired 18 G2 or G3 winners in 2018. Benbatl, Kitesurf, North America and the very exciting Classic prospect Quorto are his other runners to have succeeded at the highest level this year.
