Mulawa Arabians: In a Klass all his own

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14 January 2003 - 28 May 2025 IN A all his own

The Arabian horse world bid farewell to one of its greatest and most beloved global ambassadors with the premature passing of KLASS on the 28th of May 2025. The definitive Mulawa-bred Arabian of the new millennium and a show horse and sire without equal in Australia, KLASS epitomised the classic Arabian in every respect – exemplifying both the undeniable phenotypic appeal and the infinitely versatile utility for which the breed has been revered for centuries. The ultimate ‘beautiful athlete’, KLASS not only raised the standard for what is achievable for the Arabian horse in all his ambitious pursuits, but he also, even more profoundly, transmitted his exceptional attributes with remarkable consistency onto generations of descendants who continue to enrich the breed the world over.

Creating KLASS

A colt of KLASS’ quality and promise had long been in the planning at Mulawa, beginning first with the purchase of his glorious dam KARMAA in 1989. The daughter of World Champion KABORR (Naborr x Bint Kholameh by Adibyez) and United States Reserve National Champion AN MARIETA (AN Malik x AN Fayrosa by Fadjeyn), KARMAA was sagaciously purchased by a honeymooning Greg and Julie Farrell at the Tom Chauncey Auction during the annual Scottsdale All-Arabian Horse Show in 1989. Although acquired well into Mulawa’s second decade of existence, KARMAA revolutionised the programme in short order, capturing not

only the Senior Mare Championship titles in her very first outings at the prestigious National Stud Show and East Coast Championships, but also by blessing the breed with twelve superlative progeny, a remarkable nine of which were daughters. Branches of her invaluable family still thrive at Mulawa through four of those precious daughters – MULAWA ARIA (by Arrival), MULAWA KARA MIA MI (by GLF Apollo), MAE MARIE (by TS Al Malik) and MULAWA KARISMAA (by Magnum Psyche) – making the KARMAA dam family at Mulawa the most abundant, the most beloved and unquestionably the most successful.

A subsequent trip to Scottsdale just seven years later resulted in the paternal piece of the puzzle, when Greg, Julie and Jane discovered the young Brazilianbred TS AL MALIK (Hello Barich ELS x BF Tiffany Select by BF Rageymazon) at Midwest Training Center while searching for future herd sires. With a strong Gainey, Raffles, Spanish blend pedigree with just a touch of reliable Polish bloodlines through both his sire and dam, MALIK represented a genetic gamble for the Mulawa programme in spite of his more than pleasing phenotype. Tall, substantial, superbly conformed and imposingly masculine, AL MALIK was blessed with an incredibly long, wellshaped and perfectly placed neck, a magnificently long laid-back shoulder, and a full square powerful hindquarter, the combination of which powered his impressive natural athleticism.

While the perfect complement for a large portion of the Mulawa

broodmare band, the greatest hopes for AL MALIK were with KARMAA, as the Farrells were convinced that the genotypes and phenotypes of both would blend perfectly. So successful would this ‘Golden Cross’ prove to be that is was repeated four years in succession, resulting in daughters MAE MARIE (November 1999) and MULAWA MARIETA (January 2002), as well as sons KARBON (November 2000) and KLASS (January 2003). All would mature into horses of merit and prestige, both in the show ring and within breeding programmes Australia-wide, but none more so than KLASS, the fitting bookend to this famous quartet of siblings and, most poignantly, the final son for the immortal KARMAA.

‘From the moment I first saw KLASS as a young foal’, Greg fondly recalls, ‘I knew he was special. He had the structure and scope of his sire TS AL MALIK and the refinement and elegance of his dam KARMAA, just as we had hoped.’ Julie remembers KLASS as a ‘cheeky young colt who loved being the

Previous page, above: Klass (TS Al Malik x Karmaa) Left: Klass as a foal, PC A. Lowe.

centre of attention, with a spark that drew people in from the very beginning.’ Jane vividly recollects ‘this calm, confident, chestnut colt walking around the side of KARMAA’ on her first visit postarrival. ‘He just stopped, completely square and correct on all four legs with an improbable self-confidence, looking straight into your soul as if to say ‘YES – I AM HERE’’. For Greg, who was incredibly pleased with the final product from the cross in which he had placed so much expectation, the choice about what to call this promising colt was obvious and matter of fact. ‘He named himself, truly - as he was totally a class above any colt to that time that had been produced by Mulawa.’ Greg’s appreciation of that young colt would blossom and mature over the course of the next two and half decades, in the roles of trainer, handler, caretaker, breeder and ultimately, as a companion, into the closest and most rewarding relationship he would share with any horse in his lifetime.

The Trailblazing Show Horse

Being born into greatness carries its own sense of responsibilities and burdens, and for KLASS, that inevitably meant a career as a show horse. Fortunately, his superlative structure, his exceptional type and quality along with his inherent self-confidence and imposing presence made him a standout as a halter horse, even if his enthusiasm for this necessary endeavour was seriously lacking. Despite KLASS’ reluctance, Greg remains reassured, nonetheless, that ‘Klass enjoyed an exemplary show career with records that remain unbeaten in Australia.’ Shedding insight on KLASS’ unique personality, Greg describes the late legend as ‘not a natural, finding repetition tedious and boring, with the inability to see the point in performing the classic halter pose more than once, let alone successively in training or at a show. As a handler he taught me

There was never a more aptly named horse than Klass! I saw him for the first time in 2009 when I was delighted to award him the title of Australian National Champion Senior Stallion, when I judged the Nationals that year. In fact, I still have notes from that show and here is what I said: “The first thing that struck me when I saw him was how impressive he was in all ways. He was big, beautiful and sexy!!! I always look for a horse that is a “complete package” and Klass was that horse. His balance, type and absolute correct structure grabbed me instantly!” Klass was the ideal combination of a big, beautiful stallion exuding type and charisma while being beautifully balanced and possessing very correct structure. In essence, what I am always looking for in judging—the complete horse!

Beauty is as beauty does, however, so how do you put that form into function? By proving that function does follow form—as a working stock horse!! How many breeders put their National Champion halter horses into a demanding performance discipline? I discovered the answer to that question when judging the Australian National Stud Show the following year. As a working western person, I was hoping to see the Australian Working Stock Horse Class, as it was a good test of a horse’s working ability, and the flourish and use of the stockman’s whip during the class adds a dramatic flair. I rushed over from the halter arena to watch the class. In came a vision in white—performing the pattern—including flying lead changes, gallop at speed, turn back on the haunches and walk to the judge while the rider cracks a stock whip— just inches from the horse’s ear-- all manoeuvres that a good stock horse must be able to do handily. And Klass did, earning the Working Stock Horse Championship.

Klass ticked every box - type, structure, performance and, even more significantly, as a profound sire. He did it all, producing National and International halter and breeding horses as well as performance champions. He even produced Tom Quilty Endurance ride horses. Everything you could ask for from a sire. Perhaps he was most known outside of Australia to horse lovers as the “horse playing with a huge inflatable ball”. Video of him playing with his toy went viral. In fact, my favourite memory of him will be of driving up past the paddocks on a visit and seeing him on his hind legs in his paddock, playing with his ball—still a breathtaking vision in white.

~Cindy Reich | International Judge, Author, Historian & Arabian Horse Expert, USA

to think differently, challenging me to find new methods to keep him happy and engaged, so that his best abilities could be appreciated despite his lack of interest. KLASS pushed me further than any horse before or since; he made me a better horseman.’

The debut show for KLASS in early 2004, just days after his first birthday, would prove to be the event at which he would establish his first unprecedented, and still yet unbeaten, record of achievement in the show ring. This was the prestigious East Coast Championships, where his dam KARMAA had been named Senior Champion Mare fourteen years earlier, which in the first decade of the new millennium, was the largest and most competitive Arabian horse show in Australasia. Jane still recalls his debut with great clarity, ‘a very proud Greg at his side while KLASS entered the ring with that same calm arresting surety I had witnessed soon after his arrival, drawing the attention of all by simply being.’ KLASS would go on to not only win the Yearling Colt Championship in his premiere performance, but he would also finish his career undefeated at the East Coast Championships over the

course of four successive years, winning the championship in each age division for which he was eligible, concluding with the Senior Stallion Championship at the earliest age possible in 2007. ‘His four East Coast wins were my favourite memories of KLASS as a halter horse’, Jane fondly reminisces. ‘He made us all so proud, even with his casual approach. You just couldn’t deny his completeness.’

That same record of unprecedented achievement took some serious practice at the Australian National Championships, the event that boasted the most coveted title on the continent, with KLASS having to settle for the title of Australian National Reserve Champion twice, first as a Junior Colt in 2006 and again as a Senior Stallion in 2007, before blowing both covers off the record books. In 2009, the very first year the international score card was introduced for halter horses at the Aussies, KLASS was the direct beneficiary of a vastly improved method of evaluation that favoured objectivity and adherence to the standard rather than a more subjective ‘which horse put on the best show?’ approach. In a strong collection of contenders, KLASS was justly sashed Australian National

Champion Stallion with Greg Andrews at the lead, making this pinnacle moment the only occasion someone else other than Greg Farrell led KLASS to winners’ circle, as the latter was recovering from surgery. With both Mulawa-bred paternal brother FIRE ALERT (TS Al Malik x Fire Flame by Fame Maker R) as Reserve National Champion Stallion and an elated Team Mulawa beaming with pride standing alongside for the celebration win shot, it was a moment for the ages and, once again, for the record books. This was to be KLASS’ final foray in the show ring as a halter horse at just seven years of age, capstoning an unparalleled career with the most prestigious title in Australasia, before embarking on a revolutionary turn as a performance horse that both redefined excellence and reestablished versatile capability for the breed in the modern era.

Having already begun saddle work to assist with psychological and physiological training and preparation during his final years as a halter horse, KLASS made an easy transition to the more demanding and disciplined daily schedule of a top level performance horse. With resident trainer Daniella Dierks in the saddle,

KLASS embarked on a full show season as a Ridden Arabian Stallion, which presented its own set of challenges for a full-time breeding stallion during the first few outings in the spring. Jane is quick to praise Daniella’s skill and experience ‘as KLASS had a preference for grey mares in the breeding barn. Knowing this, Daniella soon learned to steer clear of any other grey stallions on the circle that might prove a distraction, and any irresistibly appealing grey horses in the championship final.’ After a few animated and invigorating starts, KLASS and Daniella hit all the right notes at the Australian National Championships in early March to conclude the season, taking home the highest honours of Champion Ridden Arabian Stallion. With this hard earned triumph, KLASS was elevated to the rarified status of Arabian stallions honoured as National Champion in both halter and performance, an elite club of icons that includes some of the most legendary and influential stallions in the breed from the last century, such as BASK, KHEMOSABI and ARAMUS. Making the achievement even more significant was its occurrence right on the heels of his win as Australian National Champion Senior Stallion, making KLASS the only horse to ever be named back-to-back National Champion as both a halter and as a ridden stallion in the Australian show ring.

For his next and final act as a show horse, KLASS was fortunate enough to find another supremely talented and masterfully skilled horseperson, the third in succession in his improbably charmed life, to teach him the fundamentals of a uniquely Australian discipline, that of Working Stock Horse. In this pursuit, KLASS would not only be competing against the most athletic and intelligent Arabians continent wide of all genders, he would also have to outperform the best Arabian Derivatives in the country as well, including those crossed with stockhorse breeds that invariably granted them a distinct advantage in the sport. Undaunted by the challenge,

I remember very well when I visited Mulawa for the first time. I was so impressed by Klass. I loved everything about him – his conformation, his attitude, his character and his type. He was exactly the kind of stallion I wanted to use on my mares, but unfortunately he had no frozen semen available for export to Europe. As a consolation, I was so happy to buy Klassical Dream MI for Al Khalediah Stud in Saudi Arabia, who remains one of my all-time favourite mares. It gave me great satisfaction to see Dream win all around the world, especially in Menton, where she was named Gold Champion Senior Mare ahead of World Champion Najdah Al Zobair! I can still see Dream so clearly in my mind, as I do Klass. For me, he was such an amazing horse and sire, and I still regret being unable to use him in my breeding programme.

~Christine Jamar

Jadem Arabians, Belgium

I was extraordinarily sad when I read that Klass had passed away. Years ago, when I first saw him in the show ring, Klass stopped me in my tracks with his regal bearing, effortless movement and charismatic presence. I was an instant fan and continued to follow his progress throughout his life. Klass was a magnificent stallion and sire, saddle horse, show horse and ambassador for the breed!

~Sharon Meyers

Former Editor of the Arabian Horse News, QLD

When I heard of the passing of Klass, I felt a great sadness that this incredible Arabian from the Mulawa breeding programme had died. I also felt blessed, to have seen this superlative stallion in the flesh, both in the show-ring and at home with the Farrells. It was on my very first trip to Australia that I saw Klass, winning his performance championship at the Aussies. From that very moment, he captivated meeven more so once I met his incredible dam, Karmaa. Klass was so aptly named; he truly was in a class of his own and from this one gentle giant, a whole dynasty was born that has reached around the world. I send my deepest sympathies to the Farrells on the passing of their beloved Klass and thank them for breeding such a horse - one who truly changed the Arabian world for the better.

~Samantha Mattocks

The Arabian Magazine, UK

Far left: Klass as a young halter horse, PC Rob Hess. Left: Klassical Dream at Menton.

Rodney Brown and KLASS set to work just weeks after his record-setting Aussies win under saddle, and according to Greg ‘KLASS had finally found his happy place as a show horse. The inherent energy and variety of the stock horse work suited KLASS’ intelligence and disposition, while his natural athleticism and superior structure made the work easy and fun.’

‘Greg never believes in repeating a goal successfully achieved,’ Jane explains, ‘which made KLASS’ evolution from traditional halter and ridden stallion to Working Stock Horse all the more exciting and challenging. Together, Rodney and KLASS were a marvellous pair, mastering the fast runs, quick turns, ground ties and crackling stock whips with characteristic confidence and ease. Their first win at the National Stud Show was an eye-opener for many. Once the pair was crowned Australian National Champion in Tamworth, a fitting setting in the heart of Australian Stockhorse country, there was no denying that KLASS, under Rodney’s incomparable guidance, was like no other Arabian horse in the country.’ Sashed in Aussie red, white and blue in honour of the show’s 30th anniversary, KLASS once again made show horse history as not only the first

National Champion Arabian halter and/or ridden stallion ever to be named National Champion Working Stock Horse against all Arabian-related breeds, but also, most impressively, as the one and only stallion ever to be named three-time successive Australian National Champion in separate competitive divisions.

When asked innocently by an enthusiastic spectator and KLASS superfan at Tamworth what was next for KLASS as a show horse, Greg mused ‘that with nothing left to achieve in the show ring, KLASS will most likely now pursue a career as an astronaut.’ This whimsical response reflected not only Greg’s immense pride and satisfaction with KLASS’ record-shattering accolades in the show ring, but also his belief in the limitless possibility of KLASS as both a performer and as a sire. From the moment of his arrival, Greg had remained KLASS’ greatest advocate and most ardent supporter, the two sharing a special bond that transformed both their lives immeasurably. Yet, despite eight years of unprecedented show ring achievement, KLASS’ most laudable era of his career was already underway: that of Mulawa chief sire, and his eventual veneration as international sire of significance.

The KLASS Daughters

The very first KLASS foals had arrived with great expectation in the 20082009 foaling season, while KLASS was prepping for his final year as a halter horse, resulting in three purebred fillies and one Arabian Pony colt. Amongst the trio of promising fillies was the superbly conformed KLASSIC HARMONY MI (out of Fames Harmony), a natural show horse and athlete who affirmed the wisdom of mating KLASS with the FAME MAKER R (Fame VF x Inschallah El Shaklan by El Shaklan) daughters. Not only was the alluringly complete KLASSIC HARMONY the very first KLASS progeny to be honoured with an Australian National Champion title, but she would also become the first KLASS daughter to gain notoriety from foreign breeders, catching the eye of Al Shaqab Stud in Qatar, to whom she was exported in 2011. Acting as the catalyst for increased demand over the next decade and half, KLASSIC HARMONY was followed, most impressively, by fifteen other exportations of KLASS daughters worldwide.

The other transformational filly from the very first foal crop was KLASSICAL DREAM MI (out of Mustang’s Magnum), the trendsetter responsible for what

became the ‘Golden Cross’ of the new millennium at Mulawa, that of KLASS with the daughters of MAGNUM FORTY FOUR (Magnum Psyche x WH Nashahna by Bey Shah). A next level show horse of uncompromising beauty and presence, KLASSICAL DREAM was the singular superstar unequivocally responsible for the recognition of KLASS as a serious global sire of importance, while simultaneously elevating Mulawa’s status as breeders of significance. A trailblazer on multiple fronts, KLASSICAL DREAM was the first KLASS progeny to win a major show ring accolade, honoured as East Coast Champion Yearling Filly in 2010. Her inaugural Australian National Championship, and the first for KLASS as a sire, was that of Champion Junior Filly in 2011, the same year KLASS took his final famous turn as National Champion Working Stock Horse. Three years later, KLASSICAL DREAM would set the stage for an unprecedented, and yet unchallenged, run for KLASS daughters by claiming the ultimate honour of Australian National Champion Senior Mare by unanimous decision.

Soon after, DREAM would depart on a world tour as a show horse, claiming titles on no less than four continents over several seasons, the pinnacle of which was Gold Champion Senior Mare at the All Mediterranean and Arabic Countries Championship in Menton, France. As international banner carrier extraordinaire, KLASSICAL DREAM not only made the world sit up and take notice of Mulawa and the Australian Arabian horse, she made KLASS daughters a sought after commodity for leading breeders all around the globe. Recently acquired by Sheikh Khaled’s younger brother HRH Prince Abdulmajeed bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his Akmal Stud, KLASSICAL DREAM now enjoys renewed hope as a broodmare of enduring influence, buoyed all the more recently by the success of her daughter TL YASMINE (by Ghaith Al Zobair) as 2025 Qassim Arabian Horse Show Gold Champion Yearling Filly.

KLASSICAL DREAM’s triumph as Australian National Champion Senior Mare in 2014 was made even more spectacular by the accomplishments of her stablemates KLASSICAL DEVOTION MI (out of Mulawa Kiara by Magnum Psyche) and KLASSICAL PRESENCE MI (out of Parada by Magnum Forty Four), each of whom were honoured as Australian National Champion Yearling Filly and Junior Filly, respectively. In another

record-shattering clean sweep, Mulawa was not only the proud breeder of all three Australian National Champion Females, but the programme also raised the bar of achievement with the recognition of KLASS as the sire of every single newly crowned National Champion Mare and Filly, an unforgettable moment captured in time post-show by the incomparable talent of Stuart Vesty. From this singular moment on, the fates of KLASSICAL DEVOTION and KLASSICAL PRESENCE were inextricably intertwined, the pair showing twice more together at Aussies: in 2015 with PRESENCE repeating her win as Australian National Champion Junior Filly and DEVOTION just behind in reserve; and again in 2016 with DEVOTION winning the very first Australian National Gold Champion Junior Filly title, and PRESENCE victorious as unanimous Australian National Gold Champion Senior Mare, securing her status as one of the greatest show horses in Australian history by becoming the first undefeated three-time successive Australian National Champion female. Soon after their gold standard triumphs in 2016, both KLASSICAL DEVOTION and KLASSICAL PRESENCE were exported to Schoukens Training Center in Belgium, where they soon caught the eye of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani. In a fortunate turn of events, both

mares were acquired by Sheikh Abdullah for his Al Zobair Stud in the United Arab Emirates, where they both continue to flourish and have produced a number of champion descendants.

The third of KLASS’ Australian National Champion Senior Females was MI KLASSIC FANTASY, the younger full sister to the iconic KLASSICAL DREAM MI, born two seasons later in 2010. Having followed faithfully in the footsteps of her older, immensely famous, sister as East Coast Champion Yearling Filly in 2012, FANTASY was bested by stablemate MI HARMONY (Guiliano x Fames Harmony by Fame Maker R) at the Australian National Championships in the same division, taking home the title of Australian National Reserve Champion Yearling Filly at her very first Aussies. She would return five years later, following a very successful career as a matron in the Mulawa broodmare band, to elevate her sire’s status once again as 2017 Australian National Gold Champion Senior Mare. In 2022, KLASSIC FANTASY

Left: MI Klassic Fantasy.
Above (left-right): Klassical Devotion MI, Klassical Presence MI & Klassical Dream MI.

Klass will always be remembered as the quintessential Arabian horse. He had, first and foremost, an excellent disposition, and a playful spirit. Who does not remember Stu’s classic photos of him playing with giant ball in his paddock or galloping through the river under saddle? Additionally, you can add superior conformation and athleticism to his list of stellar attributes, qualities that became his hallmarks, not the least of which, was his abundant Arabian type that encompassed the complete package. All of that would be enough to warrant making his mark in the Arabian breed, but his greatest asset was his ability as a sire. I still remember seeing his daughter Klassical Dream for the first time when she took my breath away. It gave me great joy to see the same reaction a couple years later from my friend Rodolfo Guzzo, when he leapt of the Land Cruiser to get a closer look at Alabama. This was long before Klass was a household name, but Dream would change all that, bringing worldwide recognition to his incredible ability as a sire. My condolences to Greg, Julie, Jane, and the entire Mulawa crew. I was fortunate to know first-hand just how much he was loved by you all.

~Jeffrey Wintersteen

WA Ventures Equine Services, USA

It was with immense sadness we read of the passing of the incomparable Klass from Mulawa Arabian Stud. The Klass daughters are such treasured females throughout programs worldwide and we are so privileged to have his influence in our program via his daughters Klassic Elegance MI, Klassical Aspiration MI (now owned by Kelaray Stud), and granddaughters Eternity RA ( by Allegiance MI), Naya RA (by D Nayel) and Domelle RA (by Dominic M) - all retained by us and the oldest to be bred this coming season.

When we initially decided to gather our broodmare band - our first choice was some beautiful Klass daughters. Already super show mares and producers for Mulawa, we desired that same strong character, tail bone, snort, substance and beauty for our broodmare band. And as he stamps his foals, his daughters have done the same with their progeny. It is a blessing to have experienced his presence, and to witness his legacy in our paddocks daily. What a legacy he leaves - woven throughout so many pedigrees and programs both in here Australia and worldwide.

~Ricky Carver & Carlie Beer

Re-Ality Arabians, NSW

was acquired by Steve and Christina Poore of Orrion Farms in the United States, residing now at their breeding operation in Ellensburg, Washington, where she is cherished amongst their elite broodmares.

The show career of the fourth KLASS daughter to claim the title of Australian National Champion Senior Mare was well underway when MI KLASSIC FANTASY concluded her stellar show career at Aussies. As a two year old the following season, KLASSICAL FAME (out of Forever Fame by Fame Maker R) had matured into a formidable contender, winning her first unanimous Australian National Gold Championships as a junior filly in 2018 and again in 2019. KLASSICAL FAME’s final performance at the Australian National Championships in 2020 became a monumental triumph for several reasons, firstly and foremostly by becoming the fourth Australian National Champion Senior Mare sired by KLASS, and in the process elevating to him to unchallenged status as the all-time leading sire of Australian National Champions in the mare and filly divisions at the event. Like three-quarter sister KLASSICAL PRESENCE MI before her, KLASSICAL FAME also became only the second mare to ‘three-peat’ at the Australian National Championships, winning three successive titles as an undefeated Australian Natioanal Champion. KLASSICAL FAME also happened to be lucky number ten, the tenth Mulawa-bred mare in succession to be, most astoundingly, named Australian National Champion Senior Mare, an unprecedented record of achievement that now extends to fourteen mares in total from 1984 to 2025, including the most – four – sired by any single sire: KLASS.

In total, KLASS was the sire of thirty-eight purebred daughters, all honoured, with the exception of two, with some variation of his namesake, prefaced with KLASSIC, KLASSICAL or KLASSICALLY. These mares have been the heart and soul of the Mulawa breeding

programme for over a decade and are responsible for the greatest number of promising breeding females of the newest generation. Just seven invaluable KLASS daughters remain at Mulawa, while several more remain prized matrons for breeders all across Australia and New Zealand. Those exported overseas continue to leave an indelible mark in their new homes, most notably: Ajman Gold Champion KLASSICAL DEVOTION MI, as the dam of UAE National Gold Champion DANY AL ZOBAIR (D Seraj) and All Galilee Silver Champion RAYA AL ZOBAIR (FA El Rasheem); and KLASSICAL INSPIRATION MI (out of Aspired by Parkview Audacious) at Xinda Bohan Stud in China, whose daughter XI WA NA (by Gaudi J) was named Gold Champion Junior Filly, and granddaughter AI MI LI (Gaudi J x Linggan by Allegiance MI) was named Gold Champion Yearling Filly at the 2025 China Breeders Cup Arabians Tour in April.

‘We tend to think of the KLASS daughters as a whole,’ Jane explains, ‘for as a group they are so homogenous and similar in phenotype. Unlike the MAGNUM FORTY FOUR and ALLEGIANCE MI progeny, who tend to predictably develop as mini versions

of themselves from youngsters, the KLASS progeny require patience and time, becoming drier, more refined, more coordinated and more impressive with each passing year. The patience we have learned to develop for the KLASS progeny has always been well rewarded.’

Julie often finds the best of her beloved KARMAA in the KLASS daughters, keenly appreciating ‘their ethereal femininity with a soft turn to the throat, long lean elegant necks, vascular capacious nostrils, and large black liquid eyes that look straight into your soul’. Greg is ‘especially proud of the KLASS daughters and all they have achieved as both show horses and broodmares. Some of his very best daughters remain prized matrons at many of the leading stud farms around the world, and no other horse has been more responsible for establishing the respect and reputation Mulawa now enjoys on the global stage than KLASS. Although my expectations for KLASS as a sire were most certainly high, he has exceeded all of them multiple times over. He has left an indelible mark on the Mulawa programme, and even more rewardingly, continues to do so within the greater Arabian breed worldwide.’

The KLASS Sons

While the KLASS daughters receive much of the well-deserved attention that have attributed to their sire’s acclaim, KLASS sons are no less worthy of recognition and respect. Of the thirty-two purebred sons sired by KLASS, six found fortune as sires in Australia, including Australian National Reserve Champion KONFIDENCE MI (out of Karess by Magnum Forty Four), later exported to Thailand where he enjoys a very successful tenure as a sire of elite level endurance horses. Of all the KLASS sons that have enjoyed careers as sires, none has been more successful than MI KLASSIQUE, current Mulawa chief sire who is responsible for a growing number of champion progeny with just twenty-six foals to his credit. With the size, substance, structure and imposing masculinity of both KLASS and TS AL MALIK, KLASSIQUE is advancing his tail-male heritage with an added dose of type and elegance, courtesy of his incomparable dam MUSTANG’S MAGNUM (Magnum Forty Four x Sahtarah by Sahjat). The leading dam of champions in Australian Arabian history, ‘Maggie’, as she is affectionately known, has produced more foals by KLASS – eight in total, including five daughters and three sons – than any other mare. The four of these full siblings that have been shown are all Australian National Champions, while MI KLASSIQUE looks to extend the triumphant inclination of his family to its greatest levels of achievement.

Like the KLASS daughters of the previous generation, the KLASSIQUE daughters of the present generation continue to raise the standard of excellence at Mulawa. ‘We recently weaned a colt foal out of twice Australasian International Gold Champion and two-time Australian National Champion BALLET MI (out of Bree MI by Allegiance MI),’ Greg illuminates, ‘one of our very best MI KLASSIQUE daughters, in her maiden season in the programme. Sired by DOMINIC M (Da Vinci FM x Rosa La Valentina by DA Valentino), this great grandson of KLASS possesses so many of the same qualities we appreciated about his famous ancestor at the same age – the size, structure, poise and commanding charisma that makes you feel as if you are in the presence

Far left: Archangel MI, PC Glenys Lilley. Left: MI Klassique

of something special. Given the name BAROQUE MI, this promising prospect is, in my opinion, the finest colt foal produced at Mulawa in over a decade.’ Even amidst the grief of losing KLASS too prematurely, hope continues to spring eternal generations on, reinforcing the Mulawa mantra of ‘advancing equine excellence’ with all the essential elements of its invaluable past.

For twenty five of the other KLASS sons, those whose destinies were defined as geldings, the stories of their successes as both show horses and equine athletes serve only to advance the legend of KLASS as a sire. An impressive fourteen of these geldings have earned championship honours in the show ring, many in both halter and performance divisions as one might expect as direct descendants of the archetypal ‘beautiful athlete’. KLASS’s oldest gelding son, the phenomenally talented MYSTERE MI (out of Mystic Fame), has been, in true KLASS style, a trailblazer in the broader equestrian world around Australia, competing very successfully with his owner/

rider Stephanie Debaecker as an open Show Hunter and Ridden Hack. Joining several other KLASS sons in endurance, an Olympic discipline in which his descendants continue to thrive and excel, are former Australian National Champion show horses KANE MI (out of Parada) and ARCHANGEL MI (out of Mulawa Dark Angel), both of whom are now pursuing endurance careers in the UAE.

The lifetime total of foals for KLASS, who never stood at public stud, was just seventy purebreds, with an additional two Arabian derivatives to his credit. To have accomplished all he did as a sire with just a fraction of the foals so many of the other leading sires around the world enjoy as their legacy is an aweinspiring achievement in and of itself. To realise further that all of the KLASS progeny were the product of a single breeding vision – that of the Farrell Family at Mulawa Arabian Stud – makes the enduring legacy of KLASS, the sire, one of the most extraordinary and impressive success stories of the Arabian breed in the new millennium.

The Privileged KLASS

Beyond the show ring and the breeding barn, KLASS enjoyed a privileged existence and pride of place wherever he resided on a Mulawa property. Greg especially enjoyed his time with KLASS in Sydney, even if from afar, ‘as his pasture and stable were situated directly below our family home. Like his sire, TS AL MALIK, KLASS enjoyed playing with objects to keep himself amused, the predictable outcome for an intelligent horse with an abundance of energy and a curious mind. I would often find myself distracted in my office, which overlooked both their paddocks from the second floor of our home, by the vision of two alabaster white stallions rearing across the fence line from each other, twirling long kikuyu grass runners they had plucked from their paddocks in the mouths. They would each spend hours picking, twirling and rearing, before flicking the amusement away only to chase after it and resume the game again. Those moments, when much less work was done than would I have liked, are some of my most precious memories of both stallions, each of whom has had a profound influence on the Mulawa programme and our lives.’

As full time sire beginning with the 2011-12 breeding season, it made logical sense for KLASS to reside at Alabama Stud, the 1500-acre Mulawa property in the Upper Hunter Valley near Scone that housed the entirety of the Mulawa breeding programme, including all the broodmares, foals, youngstock and active breeding stallions. KLASS was reluctantly moved to Alabama with one proviso from Greg - ‘if he disliked his life at Alabama for any reason, he could return to Sydney, no questions asked, and to his paddock’ directly below Greg’s home office. Special housing was purpose-built for KLASS prior to his arrival, a more spacious indooroutdoor stable and yard construction with adjacent paddock, a design based upon the housing the farm had fortuitously inherited when the Riverslee section of the property was purchased, and in which all of the other resident stallions resided. Suffice it to say, the keenly intelligent, supremely laid back KLASS loved his life at Alabama, or more precisely Cronk Coar, the exact name of the sister property, all part of the same Alabama stud holding, which housed the stallions, the collecting area and most of the growing yearling and two year old fillies. As far as KLASS was concerned,

Left: Klass the Working Stock Horse with Rodney Brown

SUCCESS OF KLASS DESCENDANTS at the Australian National Championships

YEARLING

Cronk Coar was horse heaven, and with his gelding companion SOVEREIGN WINGS (Magnum Psyche x On Angels Wings by TS Al Malik) stabled alongside, he remained contently the king of his domain in the Hunter Valley amongst the equine elite of Australia for the vast majority of his indisputably charmed life.

So privileged was KLASS at Alabama Stud that he had not only one, but two stable complexes built for him on site. The first, closest to the other stallion yards but separated by a tall hedge, was used during the breeding season, given its proximity to the collecting area and KLASS’ intense use in the breeding programme. The Team soon discovered, however, that KLASS preferred the second location, complete with a larger, gently sloping, turn-out paddock and sweeping views of the verdant Riverslee paddocks in which the youngstock, Arabian and warmblood alike, were routinely housed, not to mention the site of a steady stream of nightly visits by the local kangaroos and wallabies. After only a few rotations between the two complexes, KLASS chose for himself the more spacious accommodation with the amazing vistas, and there he remained for over a decade.

It was here that most international visitors remember first meeting KLASS, most often in his natural state, which was a considerably dirtier hue than alabaster white. ‘One of KLASS’ greatest joys’, Julie recalls amusingly, ‘was a good mud bath. He would always find the muddiest spot in his paddock, roll with absolute delight, and then stand there proudly, covered nose to tail. He would roll with such enthusiasm, as if he knew the extra attention he’d get with a good bath or groom afterward — or perhaps he just loved the horrified expressions on our faces when he went back for round two!’ As a homozygous grey sire, KLASS’ inclination to be filthy from head to toe was also inherited by the majority of his get, all of them grey, or various shades of ‘earth tones’ depending on how soon after a fresh rain fall one encountered his descendants. Visitors to the farm today can still spot the KLASS descendants from a mile away – if it is covered in mud, rest assured the horse is related to KLASS.

Although challenging to motivate as a show horse, KLASS, according to Jane ‘loved a photo shoot!’ So many of the most iconic photos of Mulawa involve KLASS doing something amazing, from the early days in Sydney as a halter horse amongst the characteristic gum trees at Ambition, to the unforgettable series of

KLASS working cattle in the Pages River at Alabama with Daniella. For the vast majority of the horse’s life, Stuart Vesty has been KLASS’ personal photographer, capturing more photos of KLASS than any other single animal at Mulawa since 2009. Courtesy of Stuart, KLASS has graced the cover of several of the leading industry publications worldwide, including The Arabian Magazine, the Arabian Horse World and the Arabian Horse News, as well as Arabian Studs and Stallions. Some of the most renowned and celebrated photos of KLASS taken by Stuart include the ‘Blue Period’ teasing shot, Rodney Brown aboard erupting from bush, the original ‘strike’ pose from year one, Rodney Brown cracking the stock whip, KLASS and the jacaranda, and those world famous ‘Klass at play’ images rearing with his big red ball. The final photos taken of KLASS by Stuart in 2023 with the Farrells and at home in his favourite paddock remain especially poignant, as does the world-famous image of ‘KLASS at the billabong’ taken in 2010. Selected to represent Australia and the Australian Arabian horse in the international hall of the Arabian Horse Galleries at the

Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, this perfect portrait hangs proudly in one of the most visited equine attractions in world, forever immortalising KLASS as an idyll for both his homeland and the Arabian breed.

Unforgettable video footage of KLASS has also played an essential role in perpetuating his global renown. Jen Miller and Sophie Pegrum of Horsefly Films first captured class under saddle in high definition, most memorably barrelling down the Pages River at full gallop with Daniella Dierks, moments memorialised in the opening segment of the seminal Mulawa farm film. A short two minute clip of KLASS playing fervently with his favourite red ball in his paddock in Sydney went viral on social media in 2020 when released to celebrate the holidays. It is through these images – both photos and videos – that many of our most indelible memories of KLASS live on, forever captured in time and commemorating the extraordinary existence of a once-in-a-lifetime horse.

Above (left-right): Klass at play in Sydney; Klass at Alabama with Jane, Greg & Julie Farrell in his final Vesty photo shoot in 2023

Farewell to a Legend

The loss of KLASS, although somewhat expected for a horse in the third decade of life, hit especially hard for Greg, Julie and Jane. Julie reminisces fondly of the ‘unique bond shared by KLASS and Greg, one I was fortunate enough to witness first-hand. They understood each other in a way that needed no words – their connection was instinctive, quiet, and almost telepathic.’ Julie is still intent on remembering all the best times with KLASS, ‘his sense of humour, his intensity at play, and the fact that he could turn his hoof at everything handed to him. During his idyllic retirement at Alabama, KLASS loved attention and especially a carrot from visitors, and was always keen for a cuddle. I will miss those quiet times, with a carrot and a gentle scratch of affection, the most.’

In Jane’s words, ‘KLASS just made you feel good! There was a grounded surety about him, a quiet confidence and self-assurance. He was so secure about his place in the world, that he was rarely upset or ruffled, a trait that

was shared by ARRIVAL, another of the unforgettable and life-changing stallions born and raised, and who lived their entire charmed existences, at Mulawa. While we remain confident his influence will continue to thrive both at Mulawa and in other fortunate breeding programmes around the globe, his quiet, unassuming, but nonetheless improbably imposing, presence will be hugely missed.’

In 2015, as a fitting honour for his lifetime of unprecedented achievement as a show horse and his growing influence as a sire of significance around the world, KLASS was awarded the WAHO Trophy for Australia. Reflecting back now, ten years later, this recognition seems all the more profound, given the legendary status he has attained as both a sire and as an unrivalled exemplar of the classic Arabian horse. The consummate breed ambassador, without equal in the new millennium, KLASS departs this world a legend, one firmly established and still in the making, whose legacy is secure amongst the pantheon of immortals.

For Greg, KLASS will be remembered as the transformative force that forever changed Mulawa for the better. In the show ring, he exemplified the classic desert war horse, distinctly appealing yet supremely capable of any athletic endeavour, epitomising the Mulawa ideal of the beautiful athlete.

As the first Mulawa-bred stallion to gain notoriety internationally for his prodigious get, he affirmed Mulawa’s position in the global marketplace as a source of world class breeding stock and show horses, with generations of excellence representative on both sides of the pedigree. Most definitively, KLASS was the horse closest to Greg’s heart, the horse with whom he shared his most intimate kinship and most enduring bond.

‘At Mulawa,’ Greg confidently imparts, ‘our business has a fundamental core value – ‘to leave things better than we found them’. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to know, that KLASS has left the breed, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him and to have shared in his extraordinary life, unquestionably for the better.’

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