Monday 13 May 2019
The Aga Khan Studs enjoyed a fine weekend with a total of seven successes in Ireland and France, highlighted by the Group victories of TARNAWA, Hazapour and HAMARIYNA.
TARNAWA set the ball rolling at Naas on Saturday, when securing a game success against her elders in the Gr.3 Blue Wind Stakes for trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Chris Hayes. Already placed twice at Listed level, the daughter of Shamardal and Listed victrix Tarana (Cape Cross) could now be aimed towards the Epsom Oaks.
The famous green and red silks scored a hat-trick on Sunday at Leopardstown, including Group successes for Hazapour and HAMARIYNA, who both hail from the same illustrious family of dual Derby hero and young sire Harzand (SEA THE STARS). Fifth in the Epsom Derby last year, Hazapour (Shamardal) was dropped back to a mile and scored his second Group win when lifting the Gr.3 Amethyst Stakes by two and a half lengths. Winning trainer Dermot Weld commented: “It looks as if a mile could be his trip. It’s onwards and upwards for him now.”
The progressive HAMARIYNA (Sea The Moon) stepped up from her maiden win last month to score in the Gr.3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial on her first Stakes attempt. The half-sister to Group 3 and Listed winner Hunaina does not hold an entry in the Curragh Classic but looks sure to improve further and trainer Michael Halford will now consider all options.
The third winner for the Aga Khan Studs at Leopardstown came thanks to Baladiya who shed her maiden tag in the opening contest over six furlongs. The filly is a daughter of Pivotal and Group 3 runner-up Balansiya (Shamardal).
At Longchamp, the lightly-raced four-year-old Shendeliya stretched away from the opposition in the competitive Prix du Palais des Glaces handicap to win her second race in just five outings. By Pivotal, Shendeliya is out of Group 3 winner Shemiyla (Dalakhani), and her great-granddam is the prolific Prix de Diane heroine Shemaka. Trained by Alain de Royer-Dupré, Shendeliya looks likely to progress to Stakes company in the near future.
Still in France, provincial scorers Sadiqa (Poet’s Voice) and Sagama (Sinndar), who both represent the prestigious Lagardère bloodline of Sagamix and Sagacity, completed a fine weekend for the Aga Khan Studs silks.
Aga Khan Studs sires enjoyed their share of success, thanks to Raa Atoll who offered Gilltown Stud stallion SEA THE STARS his 100th Stakes success when lifting the Gr.2 Oleander-Rennen in Germany.
Updated on 13/05/2019.
