Shamardal four-year-old Delectation could head to Royal Ascot next year after winning his first G1 race with a narrow but impressive victory in the Darley Classic over 1200m at Flemington on Stakes Day on November 7.
Jockey James McDonald had the gelding settled off the pace, with cover, but finished powerfully when the gaps opened to win the Melbourne Spring Carnival’s premier G1 sprint race down the 1200m straight course.
Already a G2 winner and G1 placed under trainer Chris Waller’s care, Delectation was bred by Greg Perry from More Than Ready mare Grace And Power, herself a two-time winner and multiple Group placegetter.
Grace and Power, who is from the family of Stakes performers Lovat's Lady and Chetten County, foaled an Exceed And Excel colt this season, her fourth foal.
Delectation is one of 90 individual Stakes winners for Shamardal, also sire of G1 Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Lumiere, plus Singapore Airlines International Cup winner Dan Excel, and Hong Kong champion Able Friend.
