Shamardal has been enjoying a truly outstanding year, and on Sunday, 12 May, he became the sire of a new Classic winner when Castle Lady landed the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp.
The Godolphin filly was settled just off the early pace under Mickael Barzalona and was always travelling well. Angled out wide once entering the straight, Castle Lady quickened impressively a furlong and a half out and despite being hard pressed by eventual second Commes, kept on bravely to prevail by a nose.
Trained by Henri-Alex Pantall, Castle Lady is now unbeaten in three starts having broken her maiden at Chantilly in March, before earning her berth in today’s Guineas when winning the G3 Prix de la Grotte over today’s course and distance.
Castle Lady is out of the unraced Elusive Quality mare Windsor County, a full sister to fellow Darley stallion Raven’s Pass. Windsor County is also dam of Stakes winner Top Score, by Darley America sire Hard Spun.
Shamardal leads all other sires by number of 2019 European Group winners, with six. As well as Castle Lady, they include today’s Amethyst Stakes winner Hazapour, plus yesterday’s Blue Wind Stakes victrix ad fellow Classic contender Tarwana.
Shamardal is also sire this year of G1 Al Quoz Sprint Stakes winner Blue Point and a pair of Guineas-placed colts in Skardu (third in the English 2,000 Guineas) and Shaman (second in today's French 2,000).
