'Progeny will continue his legacy'; Pinatubo sire Shamardal dies

Shamardal, a dual champion racehorse, has been euthanized at age 18 at Kildangan Stud in Ireland owing to health problems, according to a news release.

After three wins in three races as a 2-year-old, the Mark Johnston-trained son of Giant’s Causeway was transferred to Godolphin and trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

In seven career races, Sharmadal lost only once – the 2004 UAE Derby (G2).

After his last race in June 2005, injury forced Sharmadal into retirement to stud, and he stood his first season in Australia.

His first crop was led by multiple Group 1 winner Faint Perfume, and he also sired Solario Stakes winner Shakespearean and top-level performer Zazou.

Since then, he has 25 sired horses with Group 1 victories.

Arguably Shamardal’s greatest performer to date is Pinatubo. The colt, a member of the current 3-year-old crop, won all six of his starts last year, including the National (G1) and Darley Dewhurst (G1). His Timeform rating of 134 was the highest allotted to a two-year-old for 25 years.

Saeed bin Suroor, who trained Shamardal as a 3-year-old, said, “We were all very sad to hear of the passing of Shamardal. He was a champion two-year-old and became one of Godolphin’s best horses, winning two Classics in France as well as the St James’s Palace Stakes.

“He went on to establish himself as a top sire, producing exceptional horses throughout the world, and everyone is going to miss him. It is a sad day but I am sure that his progeny will continue his legacy both on the racecourse and in the breeding sheds.”

Joe Osborne, managing director of Godolphin Ireland, said: “Shamardal embodied mental and physical toughness – as a racehorse and as a stallion. As the racing world has seen over the past 15 years, he passed those qualities on to his progeny.

“He contended with a range of health issues over recent years and did so with fortitude and resilience. It’s a tough day for us saying goodbye to him.”