Cape Cross may now have retired from covering duties, but his progeny continue to keep his name in lights and on 21 May, he recorded a new Classic winner when his son Awtaad stormed to victory in the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Settled in mid division under Chris Hayes, the Kevin Prendergast-trained colt was always travelling smoothly and laying down his challenge at the two-furlong marker, soon moved clear and despite Newmarket Guineas winner Galileo Gold finishing strongly, Awtaad could not be caught and ran on to win by two and a half lengths.
Awtaad has now won four times in five starts and is unbeaten in 2016. He will now head to Royal Ascot.
A Shadwell homebred, Awtaad is out of the Stakes-placed Shamardal mare Asheerah, one of three four Black type performers out of the Listed winner Adaala.
Cape Cross enjoyed a glittering career as a stallion, siring many outstanding performers including last year’s Derby and Arc hero Golden Horn (now standing as a Darley stallion at Dalham Hall Stud), six-time G1 winner Sea The Stars and superstar filly Ouija Board (dam of a Derby winner herself in Australia).
