Shahzada

(Thanks to Judith Calhoun  for the image)

    Shahzada was a grey Arab stallion, foaled in 1913 at Mr H.C. Stephens' stud in England. Shahzada's sire Mootrub, was purchased by General John Hills in India soon after he arrived from Arabia. He won races in India and numerous championships and prizes in the U.K. Shahzada's dam Ruth Kesia (descended from the desert bred mare Kesia), was acquired from the Gomassa tribe of the Sabaa Anazeh by Major Robert Upton. The mares from the tribe were noted for their fine free-trotting action.

    In Endurance Tests Shahzada had few peers Tests were held in 1920, 1921 and 1922 over 250, 300 and 500 miles; each ride was held over a five day period. Shahzada won the first and third tests and was second over the 300 mile distance. It is reputed that he covered this distance in 37 hours and 29 minutes riding time carrying 14 stone in weight.

    On two other occasions Shahzada won mile races carrying 10 stone. On yet another occasion he was able to win a seven furlong race in open company two weeks after winning a 310 mile Endurance test.
 

    In 1925, Shahzada was imported to Australia by Mr A.E. Grace a Sydney businessman and pastoralist, to stand stud on "Woodlands Grace" near Denman. In his later life he was bought by Mr R. Williams of Booralong where he spent the remainder of his days.
Shahzada was used extensively at stud and the Arabian Horse in Australia Volume 1 reports that 40% of the 394 horses registered at the time of publication were descended to some degree from him. Some of his famous progeny are Sirdar, champion at the Sydney Royal in 1934, Genghis Khan, Ishamael and a daughter of Judith. The well known sires Delos and Aethon (who was Champion Arab Stallion at the "Royal" on four successive occasions from 1970 to 1974 and again in 1976) both trace back to Shahzada, as do the well renowned Endurance horses - Stony, Shieke, bred by R.M. Williams, Oonoonba Leo and Ralvon Aeneas and many others.


    The Shahzada Memorial Endurance Ride is held annually in St Albans NSW during the last full week of August in commemoration of this famous horse.