Just two days after fellow freshman Dubawi recorded his first winner, Shamardal is now also off the mark in Europe courtesy of a highly impressive performance from the debutant Shakespearean, who won a six-furlong (1200m) maiden at Haydock by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
Out of the Priolo mare Pampolaise, the colt was bred by Nicky Hartery of Caherass Stud and Michael Enright of Cregg Castle Stud, who also have his yearling full-sister. Appropriately, Shakespearean is trained by Mark Johnston, who was also responsible for Shamardal as a two-year-old, during which season he won the G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes and the G2 Vintage Stakes.
Shamardal already has two-year-olds in Australia, where he has been responsible for seven individual winners, including Group Two runner-up Marquardt and Listed place-getter Premardal.
Mark Johnston enjoyed a two-year-old double with first-timers from his stable on Friday evening as he also sent out Capercaillie, by Elusive Quality out of Silent Eskimo (Eskimo), who may now be aimed at the G2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. Bred by R Michael O’Malley, the chestnut filly won over five furlongs (1000m) at Musselburgh and, like Shakespearean, runs in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum.
