Balios says adios in G2 King Edward VII

Another incredible year for Shamardal got even better on June 19th as his three-year-old son, Balios, became his sire’s 17th Stakes winner of 2015, landing the G2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. The win gives Shamardal an impressive total of eight Group winners for the year.

For the first mile of the 12 furlong event, jockey Jamie Spencer had his eyes on all the competitors, relaxing comfortably at the back of the pack. Once the field straightened out for the final run down the stretch, Balios responded brilliantly, and after he made the front, he left no doubt that he would claim the victory.

Bred by Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Balios is out of the Stakes-placed Galileo mare Elle Galante, a full sister to Listed winner Elle Gala, and half-sister to four other Stakes horses, including Sharmardal’s German Champion Elle Shadow.

Shamardal has now sired a total of 80 career Stakes winners, 13 in G1 company, and a total of 41 Group winners. In addition to Balios, his other 2015 Group winners include daughter Fintry, who won her third Group event on June 14 in the G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil at Chantilly.