WHAT a year the veteran Shamardal (Giant’s Causeway) has been enjoying. On Sunday he sired his latest classic winner when Castle Lady, carrying the Godolphin blue silks, landed the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp.

The filly was always travelling well under Mickael Barzalona and she quickened impressively a furlong and a half out before finally displaying battling qualities for such an inexperienced runner to hold on by a nose. Trained by Henri-Alex Pantall, the three-year-old remains unbeaten having won her maiden at Chantilly in March, and then earning her place in the starting line for the classic when landing the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte.