Shamardal shines at Royal Ascot

Aljazzi becomes his second Group winner in the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes

A day after Blue Point had starred in the G1 King’s Stand Stakes, his paternal half-sister Aljazzi took centre stage when running away with the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes. The daughter of Shamardal, who had finished second in the race last season, sprinted clear in the final furlong to record a massive three-and-three-quarter length triumph over Tribute Act (Exceed And Excel), who is a fast-improving half-sister to G1-winner Ribbons (Manduro).

Owned and bred by Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar, she is out of the Stakes-winning Danehill Dancer mare Nouriya, who hails from the extended family of top miler Zafeen. Nouriya has given birth to a colt foal early this season by Derby hero Golden Horn.

Shamardal has a great affinity with the Royal meeting, winning the G1 St James’s Palace when it was run at York as well as siring nine Stakes performers. Alongside Blue Point yesterday, this was his second winner of the race after Usherette’s triumph in 2016. He has also sired G2-winner Balios and G1 performers Lucida and Mukhadram.