Five in a row for Shamardal’s Able Friend

Able Friend (Shamardal), the best horse Hong Kong has ever seen and rated the world’s best turf horse, added a fifth straight win to his already impressive record when recording back-to-back victories in the Chairman’s Trophy (a local G2 contest) at Sha Tin on 7 April.

Settled just off the pace in the early stages of the one-mile contest, Able Friend made his trademark late run and won easily by a length and a quarter. His next target is the G1 Champions Mile, due to take place on 3 May, before a possible trip to Royal Ascot where he could line up as one of the favourites to take the G1 Queen Anne Stakes on the opening day.

Able Friend has now amassed well over £3 million in prize money and has won no fewer than three international G1 contests, including this year’s Steward’s Cup and Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup. Bred by Ramsey Pastoral Co Pty Limited, he is out of the Listed-winning, Group-placed mare Ponte Piccolo, herself a half-sister to G1 winner Global News.

Able Friend is one of 11 individual Black type performers for Shamardal so far this year, together with Winter Derby winner Tryster (who took the valuable Easter Classic at the weekend). Shamardal stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €70,000 October 1st SLF.

Shamardal stands at Kildangan Stud at a fee of €70,000 October 1st SLF.