16th Stakes winner of the year for Shamardal

There might have only been three runners, but the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes produced a thrilling finish contested by two very game Darley-sired runners, with Sharestan (Shamardal) just prevailing by a nose from Sheikhzayedroad (Dubawi). Going into the race as the market favourite, Sharestan took the lead from the pacesetting Top Notch Tonto as they turned into the straight, and after seeing off that rival just had enough in reserve to hold the fast finishing Sheikhzayedroad. This was the fifth time that Sharestan had won on the back of at least a six month break with today's victory his fourth at Stakes level (and seventh overall) from only 13 starts.

Bred by HH The Aga Khan, Sharestan hails from the family of Shahrastani and is out of the winning Ashkalani mare Sharesha, who has already produced the G3-winning filly Shareen.

Shamardal has now sired 16 Stakes winners in 2014, a figure no other stallion can beat. These 16 include G1w Dan Excel, recent winner of the International Cup at Kranji, G2-winners Sommerabend, Excellent Result and Ghibellines and multiple Dubai Classic winner Ihtimal, who was third in the 1,000 Guineas on her last start and now heads to the Oaks at the start of June. Shamardal is standing this season for €50,000 at Kildangan Stud alongside his G1-winning son Casamento (€5,000).