Diomed Stakes victory for French Navy

Shamardal’s outstanding season continued in style on 6 June when his consistent son French Navy swept home to land the G3 Diomed Stakes on Oaks day at Epsom.

Slowly away, the six-year-old entire was settled towards the rear of the field under Adam Kirby and looked to have plenty to do as the field entered the home straight. However, once asked to quicken, he responded brilliantly and swept past his rivals to win going away by two and a quarter lengths. Cape Cross’s Windhoek also finished well from off the pace to take third.

This was the sixth Black type victory for Charlie Appleby’s charge, who has won a Stakes race every season he has raced. This was also his third Group win.

Bred by Darley, French Navy is out of the Stakes-winning mare First Fleet and a half-brother to Cape Cross' G3-winner Sea Lord. First Fleet also has a full sister yearling filly to French Navy.

No stallion in the world can better Shamardal’s total of 16 2014 Stakes winners, who also include G1 winner Dunboyne Express and four G2 winners in Excellent Result, Fintry, Ghibellines and Sommerabend.