 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
In a spectacular display of skill and power, Shamida, Dermot Weld's filly, won the Gr.3 Irish St Leger Trial Stakes against older colts and geldings. Despite being a 5-4 favourite, she faced a late challenge from Dawn Rising but managed to fend it off and win by half a length. Jockey Chris Hayes had settled her at the back of the pack for most of the 1m6f race before she hit the front inside two furlongs.
Shamida Shines In Gr.3 Stanerra Stakes: A Rising Star Emerges
Shamida, a 3YO daughter of Australia owned by the Aga Khan, had only made her second start in 2023 after a successful reappearance in the Gr.3 Stanerra Stakes at Leopardstown last month. As a result of her impressive victory, she now holds entries in the St Leger at Doncaster and the Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot.
Shamida's Success Paves Way
However, Weld has set his sights on the Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp on September 30 as Shamida's Group One end-of-season target. It remains to be seen if she can replicate her recent success in the upcoming races, but her performance in the Irish St Leger Trial Stakes has certainly cemented her status as a formidable contender.
Weld said, "Shamida is a good-actioned filly and won her Group race well at Leopardstown. She'll probably have one more run this year in the Prix de Royallieu over 1m6f. This is a very game, brave, tough three-year-old.
"Two of those horses today won at Royal Ascot last time out so it was a very good trial. I think she's a very high class filly, she's won back-to-back Group races and beaten colts, geldings and fillies. She would never want the ground too soft, she's a stayer with speed."