Smart dual-purpose performer Khan set for stud career in France

The varied career of Khan has taken another turn as he is shortly to stand at Haras de Gelos in France.

A half-brother to the German Derby winner Kamsin, the eight-year-old gained his own Group 1 prize when taking the 2018 Preis von Europa at Cologne by an impressive six lengths for trainer Henk Grewe.

He transferred to the stable of Milton Harris and has had a fine 12 months as a hurdler for Mark and Maria Adams, winning four times and becoming a regular on the southern circuit. Last seen at Fontwell just after Christmas, he has been declared for a handicap at Ludlow on Monday.

Harris assisted in a stallion deal brokered by Richard Venn which will see Khan depart for Pau in the next few days.

"I'm delighted," said Mark Adams. "He’s a lovely natured horse, you wouldn’t know he was a stallion to be honest, which is why he’s been kept entire.

"We’ve done a deal leasing him for a couple of years but retaining ownership. Hopefully he’ll get a bit of traction and a bit of luck, you always need a bit of that in racing, and he’ll be a success."

By Santiago and bred by Gestut Karlshof, Khan is also a sibling of Group 3 winner Kapitale and Listed scorer Kashmar. He had lost his way somewhat on the Flat and had been tried over hurdles before a €22,000 sale in November 2020.

Adams explained: "Christian von der Recke has bought a number of horses for me in the past, he bought him from Arqana because he thought he was value and offered him to Milton and I.

"I decided to take a bit of a punt on him because he had that Group 1 form in Germany.

"He’d had a couple of falls when he’d raced in France but there didn’t appear to be a real reason why that should have happened, so we took a chance and his jumping has been very good since. I’ve had four wins from him over hurdles and he’s been a good fun horse."

Adams is an enthusiast of preserving the traditions of the New Forest and breeds and keeps some of the area's native ponies. While they will not feature among Khan's book, he is intending to support the stallion in his new career.

"We always keep some young thoroughbred stores at home and [Kempton Boxing Day winner] Jacamar is one who we bought as a young horse and he was with us at home for the best part of two years getting ready," said Adams.

"I haven't bred any thoroughbreds yet but I’m in the process of looking for some mares, it’s a direction of travel for me anyway."

Khan will join a wide roster at Haras de Gelos, which includes a number of different Arabian stallions as well as the July and Richmond Stakes winner Ivawood and War Command, the 2013 Dewhurst and Coventry Stakes winner who began his stud life with Coolmore.

Read more

Hillcrest's breeder Arthur Craigie on the Gold Cup road

Annshoon Stud recruits two sires from France

The thoroughbred who turned 39 on New Year's Day