2005

THE racing world in general, and Godolphin in particular, was stunned yesterday by the news that Shamardal, due to contest today’s Group 1 Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, had chipped a bone on the gallops and faces retirement.

This is a savage blow because the three-year-old, a leading juvenile and with three recent triumphs at the highest level behind him, was all set for his greatest test against Epsom Derby winner Motivator. After wintering in Dubai, Shamardal disappointed at Nad Al Sheba before hitting his true rhythm and quickly rattling off the French 2000 Guineas, Prix du Jockey Club and St James’s Palace Stakes. Historians could not remember a three-year-old landing a hat-trick of this nature in such a short period of time, especially with a drop back in distance involved.

“He was very, very special, with a real change of gears. I was particularly looking forward to riding him in the Eclipse and taking on Motivator,” Frankie Dettori said. Equally saddened, trainer Saeed bin Suroor added: “He was definitely one of the best we’ve ever had.”