Third Stakes victory for son of Shamardal

Four-year-old Shamardal colt French Navy returned to winning ways in convincing fashion on the Rowley Mile on Saturday when taking the Listed Ben Marshall Stakes by three lengths.

Settled in third position under Mickael Barzalona, French Navy was asked to quicken two furlongs from home and once taking the lead a furlong out, soon eased clear of his rivals to win easily. He has now won Black type contests at two, three and four, having landed the G3 Prix Des Chenes as a juvenile and the G3 Select Stakes at Goodwood last year. His win also provided Godolphin with their 200th winner of the season.

Bred by Darley, French Navy is out of the Stakes-winning Woodman mare First Fleet, also dam of Cape Cross’s G3 winner Sea Lord. She has a 2012 full sister to French Navy and returned to Shamardal this year.

Shamardal, who has sired an outstanding 42 Group or Listed winners so far, is also sire this year of three G1 winners in Amaron, Crackerjack King and Sagawara.