Aga Khan Studs Unveils Stallion Mating Plans for 2026 Breeding Season

Ezeliya's path to the breeding shed tells the story of Aga Khan Studs' ambitions for 2026. The 2024 Epsom Oaks winner recently produced her first foal, a filly by Justify, and her next mating has already been decided: Sea The Stars at Gilltown Stud, where the stallion serves as the operation's flagship sire.

The foaling and covering season is well underway at Aga Khan Studs facilities in both Ireland and France, with the mating plans mapping out a generational investment across one of Europe's most decorated broodmare bands.

Siyouni is set to shoulder extra responsibility this spring, picking up approximately 30 Aga Khan mares with Zarak temporarily out of action. Among the mares headed his way is Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Rouhiya, whose first foal, a filly by Sea The Stars, arrived on February 15. Rouhiya joins Alaiya, dam of 2025 Group 2 winner Alakazi; Azmaniya, a half-sister to five-time Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun; Baiykara, a Group-winning half-sister to Breeders' Cup-winning juvenile Balantina; Group 2 winner Candarliya, dam of last year's Prix de Diane third Cankoura; Darylakha, a half-sister to Arc hero Daryz; and Narmeen, who has already produced Prix Marcel Boussac third Narissa by Siyouni. Siyouni's commercial profile extends to Australia as well, with six entries in the Inglis Easter sale.

Erevann, whose first crop are yearlings this year, will also cover a select group of Aga Khan mares. His book includes Azmiyna, dam of The Autumn Sun; Group 1 winner Ridasiyna; Candara, dam of four Stakes winners including Candelari; and Vaderana, dam of Vadeni. Also penciled in are Stakes winner Canndera, a half-sister to Group 1 winner Candelari; Baiyouna, a winning daughter of Sea The Stars and half-sister to Grade 1 winner Bayrir; Reynira, a black-type producer whose half-sister produced Rouhiya; Group 3 winner Tanaza; Group-placed Etneya, a Siyouni half-sister to the dam of Ezeliya; and Baiyka, a half-sister to Balantina.

Sea The Stars' book at Gilltown also includes Zarka, a full sister to Zarak out of champion Zarkava, and Dariyza, a Stakes-winning half-sister to Arc hero Daryz.

The most far-reaching moves involve mares traveling to outside stallions. Four-time Group 1 winner Tahiyra, bred by Siyouni, heads to Frankel. Darkaniya, a Group 2-winning half-sister to Daryz, visits Dubawi. Rondonia, dam of Rouhiya, returns to Lope De Vega. Group 1 winners Tarnawa and Zarigana both make the transatlantic trip to visit Justify in the United States.

Champion three-year-old Vadeni's second crop is already on the ground this year, with a notable colt out of Group 1 heroine and Group 2 producer Ridasiyna among the first arrivals.