Bosra Sham (USA)
February 28, 1993 – c. 2006
Woodman (USA) x Korveya (USA), by Riverman (USA)
Family 22-b
February 28, 1993 – c. 2006
Woodman (USA) x Korveya (USA), by Riverman (USA)
Family 22-b
A full sister to 1990 French champion 2-year-old male Hector Protector, Bosra Sham probably had even more native ability. A Group 1 winner as a juvenile, she emulated her brother by taking one of Europe’s one-mile Classic races as a 3-year-old and later stretched out to win prestigious 10-furlong events at 3 and 4. Forced into retirement by chronic foot problems, she was less successful as a broodmare than as a racer.
Race record
10 starts, 7 wins, 1 second, 1 third, US$931,444 (converted from English earnings)
1995:
1996:
1997:
Honors
Cartier Award, European champion 3-year-old filly (1996)
Assessments
Rated at 114 pounds on the International Classification for European juveniles of 1995, third among 2-year-old fillies.
Rated at 131 pounds on the 1996 International Classifications for 3-year-olds of 1996 over 9.5-11 furlongs, best for her age and sex in Europe
Earned a lifetime best Timeform rating of 132 pounds.
In their book A Century of Champions (1999, Portway Press Ltd.), British experts John Randall and Tony Morris rated Bosra Sham as the best among fillies trained in Britain in the 1990s and as the 10th-best among British-trained fillies of the 20th century.
As an individual
A rangy, attractive chestnut mare with excellent conformation, Bosra Sham was plagued by shallow, fragile feet but was a beautiful mover nonetheless. She had an explosive turn of foot when healthy and consistently gave the best she could when racing.
As a producer
Bosra Sham produced seven named foals, of which five started; three were winners. Her important foals are as follow:
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Bosra Sham was bred by Gerald Leigh. After she sold for 530,000 guineas (the top price paid for any European yearling of her year) from the 1994 Tattersalls Houghton yearling sale, she was raced by Syrian businessman Wafic Saïd. She was trained by Henry Cecil, who was later knighted for his accomplishments as a trainer. She was ridden to her victory in the One Thousand Guineas by Pat Eddery. She produced her first four foals for Addison Racing before passing to the ownership of Coolmore’s Orpendale breeding division. Her last foal, the Storm Cat filly Tingling, was born in 2006.
Pedigree notes
Bosra Sham is inbred 5x5x4 to five-time American champion sire Nasrullah, also the English/Irish champion sire of 1951. She is a full sister to 1990 French champion 2-year-old male Hector Protector and a half sister to 1992 Poule d.Essai des Poulains winner Shanghai (by Procida). She is also a half sister to stakes-placed Maria Isabella (by Kris), dam of 2007 Prix Chloe (FR-G3) winner Utrecht (by Rock of Gibraltar); to Yemanja (by Alleged), whose grandson Kremlin Captain was the 2014/15 Horse of the Year in Mauritius; and to Gioconda (by Nijinsky II), dam of multiple Grade/Group 1 winner Ciro (by Woodman) and second dam of multiple Japanese Group 2 winner Trailblazer. In addition, Bosra Sham is a half sister to Tapatina (by Seeking the Gold), dam of 2009 Del Mar Oaks (USA-G1) winner Internallyflawless (by Giant’s Causeway; dam of restricted stakes winner Internal Bourbon, by Not Bourbon) and listed stakes winner Billy’s Star (by Perfect Soul). Finally, Bosra Sham is a half sister to Reflective (by Seeking the Gold), dam of English listed stakes winner Biographer (by Montjeu), and to Truant (by Gone West), dam of Japanese listed stakes winner Dream Kirari (by Giant’s Causeway).
Bosra Sham and her siblings were produced from 1985 Prix Chloe (FR-G3) winner Korveya, who sold for a record-tying US$7 million for a broodmare sold in foal at the 1998 Keeneland November mixed sale. A daughter of Riverman, Korveya is a full sister to 1999 Jacobs Goldene Peitsche (GER-G2) winner Keos and a half sister to 1994 Premio Umbria (ITY-G2) winner Proskona (by Mr. Prospector), dam of 2002 Canadian Handicap (USA-G2) winner Calista (by Caerleon), second dam of French Group 3 winner Synopsis, and third dam of multiple Group 1 winners Act One, Mawj, and Modern Games. Korveya is also a half sister to listed stakes winner Carnet Solaire (by Sharpen Up), second dam of 2008 Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship Stakes (USA-G1) winner Red Giant and Grade 3 winner Wyomia and third dam of German Group 3 winner Chopin. In addition, Korveya is a half sister to Group 3-placed Talon d’Aiguille (by Big Spruce), dam of French listed stakes winner Stikine (by Slickly) and second dam of French Group 3 winner Gruntled, and to stakes-placed Leo’s Lucky Lady (by Seattle Slew), dam of 2006 Debutante Stakes (IRE-G2) winner Gaudeamus (by Distorted Humor), second dam of three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty, and third dam of 2018 Slovakian champion 2-year-old filly O’Ffensive and Grade/Group 3 winners King Zachary and O’Juke. Finally, Korveya is a half sister to Cloelia (by Lyphard), dam of 2003 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (USA-G1) winner Passineti (by Slew o’ Gold), and to Kamaina (by Mr. Prospector), second dam of 2013 Hong Kong champion stayer California Memory, 2007 Spanish champion imported 2-year-old colt Rituss, and multiple Australian Group 3 winner Mouro.
Korveya, in turn, is out of 1976 One Thousand Guineas (ENG-G1) runner-up Konafa (by Damascus). Produced from the winning Northern Dancer mare Royal Statute, Konafa is a half sister to 1982 English champion 3-year-old filly and 1983 Italian champion older female Awaasif (by Snow Knight), dam of 1989 Gold Seal Oaks (ENG-G1) winner Snow Bride (by Blushing Groom), 1992 New Orleans Handicap (ENG-G3) winner Jarraar (by Mr. Prospector), and 2002 Saranac Handicap (USA-G3) winner Ibn al Haitham (by Zafonic) and second dam of 1995 European champion 3-year-old male Lammtarra and French Group 3 winner Saytarra. Konafa is also a half sister to 1981 Fountain of Youth Stakes (USA-G3) winner Akureyri (by Buckpasser) and to 1984 Premio Bagutta (ITY-G3) winner Royal Lorna (by Val de l’Orne), dam of 2000 Prix du Lys (FR-G3) winner Lycitus (by Lycius) and Australian listed stakes winner Forlorna (by Nashwan) and second dam of 2002 Premio Roma (ITY-G1) winner Sunstrach and English Group 3 winner Music Box. In addition, Konafa is a half sister to Baederwood (by Tentam), a useful regional sire in the Mid-Atlantic region and to Royal Stance (by Dr. Fager), dam of multiple Group 3 winner Majuscule (by Majestic Light), 1987 Falls City Handicap (USA-G3) winner Royal Cielo (by Conquistador Cielo), and multiple listed stakes winner Luhuk (by Forty Niner; an important sire in Argentina). Finally, Konafa is a half sister to Victoress (by Conquistador Cielo), second dam of 2011 Derby Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Pour Moi and Group 3 winners Dawn Patrol and Gagnoa.
Books and media
Footage of Bosra Sham’s win in the 1996 Dubai Champion Stakes can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR4qt0-l3qc.
Fun facts
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Race record
10 starts, 7 wins, 1 second, 1 third, US$931,444 (converted from English earnings)
1995:
- Won Fillies Mile (ENG-G1, 8FT, Ascot)
1996:
- Won Pertemps One Thousand Guineas (ENG-G1, 8FT, Newmarket)
- Won Dubai Champion Stakes (ENG-G1, 9F+212yT, Newmarket)
- Won Dubai Duty Free Fred Darling Stakes (ENG-G3, 7F+60yT, Newbury)
- 2nd Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (ENG-G1, 8FT, Ascot)
1997:
- Won Prince of Wales's Stakes (ENG-G2, 9F+212yT, Ascot)
- Won Brigadier Gerard Stakes (ENG-G3, 9F+209yT, Sandown)
- 3rd Coral-Eclipse Stakes (ENG-G1, 9F+209yT, Sandown)
Honors
Cartier Award, European champion 3-year-old filly (1996)
Assessments
Rated at 114 pounds on the International Classification for European juveniles of 1995, third among 2-year-old fillies.
Rated at 131 pounds on the 1996 International Classifications for 3-year-olds of 1996 over 9.5-11 furlongs, best for her age and sex in Europe
Earned a lifetime best Timeform rating of 132 pounds.
In their book A Century of Champions (1999, Portway Press Ltd.), British experts John Randall and Tony Morris rated Bosra Sham as the best among fillies trained in Britain in the 1990s and as the 10th-best among British-trained fillies of the 20th century.
As an individual
A rangy, attractive chestnut mare with excellent conformation, Bosra Sham was plagued by shallow, fragile feet but was a beautiful mover nonetheless. She had an explosive turn of foot when healthy and consistently gave the best she could when racing.
As a producer
Bosra Sham produced seven named foals, of which five started; three were winners. Her important foals are as follow:
- Rosberg (2001, by A.P. Indy) won the 2008 Premier’s Stakes (CAN-G3). From limited opportunities, he sired 11 stakes winners from 89 named foals while standing in British Columbia, Canada; his best runner was Grade 3 winner Snuggles.
- Reve de Fille (2005, by Storm Cat) never raced but is the second dam of Grade 3 winner Dream It Is.
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Bosra Sham was bred by Gerald Leigh. After she sold for 530,000 guineas (the top price paid for any European yearling of her year) from the 1994 Tattersalls Houghton yearling sale, she was raced by Syrian businessman Wafic Saïd. She was trained by Henry Cecil, who was later knighted for his accomplishments as a trainer. She was ridden to her victory in the One Thousand Guineas by Pat Eddery. She produced her first four foals for Addison Racing before passing to the ownership of Coolmore’s Orpendale breeding division. Her last foal, the Storm Cat filly Tingling, was born in 2006.
Pedigree notes
Bosra Sham is inbred 5x5x4 to five-time American champion sire Nasrullah, also the English/Irish champion sire of 1951. She is a full sister to 1990 French champion 2-year-old male Hector Protector and a half sister to 1992 Poule d.Essai des Poulains winner Shanghai (by Procida). She is also a half sister to stakes-placed Maria Isabella (by Kris), dam of 2007 Prix Chloe (FR-G3) winner Utrecht (by Rock of Gibraltar); to Yemanja (by Alleged), whose grandson Kremlin Captain was the 2014/15 Horse of the Year in Mauritius; and to Gioconda (by Nijinsky II), dam of multiple Grade/Group 1 winner Ciro (by Woodman) and second dam of multiple Japanese Group 2 winner Trailblazer. In addition, Bosra Sham is a half sister to Tapatina (by Seeking the Gold), dam of 2009 Del Mar Oaks (USA-G1) winner Internallyflawless (by Giant’s Causeway; dam of restricted stakes winner Internal Bourbon, by Not Bourbon) and listed stakes winner Billy’s Star (by Perfect Soul). Finally, Bosra Sham is a half sister to Reflective (by Seeking the Gold), dam of English listed stakes winner Biographer (by Montjeu), and to Truant (by Gone West), dam of Japanese listed stakes winner Dream Kirari (by Giant’s Causeway).
Bosra Sham and her siblings were produced from 1985 Prix Chloe (FR-G3) winner Korveya, who sold for a record-tying US$7 million for a broodmare sold in foal at the 1998 Keeneland November mixed sale. A daughter of Riverman, Korveya is a full sister to 1999 Jacobs Goldene Peitsche (GER-G2) winner Keos and a half sister to 1994 Premio Umbria (ITY-G2) winner Proskona (by Mr. Prospector), dam of 2002 Canadian Handicap (USA-G2) winner Calista (by Caerleon), second dam of French Group 3 winner Synopsis, and third dam of multiple Group 1 winners Act One, Mawj, and Modern Games. Korveya is also a half sister to listed stakes winner Carnet Solaire (by Sharpen Up), second dam of 2008 Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship Stakes (USA-G1) winner Red Giant and Grade 3 winner Wyomia and third dam of German Group 3 winner Chopin. In addition, Korveya is a half sister to Group 3-placed Talon d’Aiguille (by Big Spruce), dam of French listed stakes winner Stikine (by Slickly) and second dam of French Group 3 winner Gruntled, and to stakes-placed Leo’s Lucky Lady (by Seattle Slew), dam of 2006 Debutante Stakes (IRE-G2) winner Gaudeamus (by Distorted Humor), second dam of three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty, and third dam of 2018 Slovakian champion 2-year-old filly O’Ffensive and Grade/Group 3 winners King Zachary and O’Juke. Finally, Korveya is a half sister to Cloelia (by Lyphard), dam of 2003 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (USA-G1) winner Passineti (by Slew o’ Gold), and to Kamaina (by Mr. Prospector), second dam of 2013 Hong Kong champion stayer California Memory, 2007 Spanish champion imported 2-year-old colt Rituss, and multiple Australian Group 3 winner Mouro.
Korveya, in turn, is out of 1976 One Thousand Guineas (ENG-G1) runner-up Konafa (by Damascus). Produced from the winning Northern Dancer mare Royal Statute, Konafa is a half sister to 1982 English champion 3-year-old filly and 1983 Italian champion older female Awaasif (by Snow Knight), dam of 1989 Gold Seal Oaks (ENG-G1) winner Snow Bride (by Blushing Groom), 1992 New Orleans Handicap (ENG-G3) winner Jarraar (by Mr. Prospector), and 2002 Saranac Handicap (USA-G3) winner Ibn al Haitham (by Zafonic) and second dam of 1995 European champion 3-year-old male Lammtarra and French Group 3 winner Saytarra. Konafa is also a half sister to 1981 Fountain of Youth Stakes (USA-G3) winner Akureyri (by Buckpasser) and to 1984 Premio Bagutta (ITY-G3) winner Royal Lorna (by Val de l’Orne), dam of 2000 Prix du Lys (FR-G3) winner Lycitus (by Lycius) and Australian listed stakes winner Forlorna (by Nashwan) and second dam of 2002 Premio Roma (ITY-G1) winner Sunstrach and English Group 3 winner Music Box. In addition, Konafa is a half sister to Baederwood (by Tentam), a useful regional sire in the Mid-Atlantic region and to Royal Stance (by Dr. Fager), dam of multiple Group 3 winner Majuscule (by Majestic Light), 1987 Falls City Handicap (USA-G3) winner Royal Cielo (by Conquistador Cielo), and multiple listed stakes winner Luhuk (by Forty Niner; an important sire in Argentina). Finally, Konafa is a half sister to Victoress (by Conquistador Cielo), second dam of 2011 Derby Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Pour Moi and Group 3 winners Dawn Patrol and Gagnoa.
Books and media
Footage of Bosra Sham’s win in the 1996 Dubai Champion Stakes can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR4qt0-l3qc.
Fun facts
- Bosra Sham is named for the ancient Syrian city of Bosra ash-Sham. Once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world as well as remains of Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic architecture.
- Bosra Sham was the first sale topper from the Tattersalls Houghton sale to win a race considered to be a Classic in Europe since Sayajirao, who won the 1947 St. Leger Stakes after topping the 1945 sale.
- Bosra Sham became the namesake for a listed stakes race for fillies at Newmarket.
Last updated: April 10, 2026