SHERSHAB (FR), the Al Shaqab Racing’s representative and a son of SHALAA out of Gherdaiya, had been starved of success since 23 November 2020. However, a visit to Salon-de-Provence on Saturday, 5 June, enabled the Frédéric Rossi flyer to regain the winning feeling in the Prix d’Arles – a sprint handicap run over 1,100 metres (5 1/2f) for three-year-olds. He was ridden by Sylvain Ruis, who also guided him to his first win, when both of them took the the Prix des Criques, a 1,500-metre race for two-year-olds, at Marseille Pont de Vivaux.

Despite his 60.5 kilo impost, the bay gelding managed to prove the best in the field. He broke well from the stalls and settled at the rear of pack, but soon he made the move near the leaders and remained in fourth and third positions throughout. Once in the straight, he accelerated well to take the lead, keeping any challenge at bay and scoring a cosy one-length win. Hallowed Time (IRE) (Hallowed Crown x Groupetime) finished runner-up for trainer E. O’neill and jockey Christopher Grosbois, two more lengths in front of the third TESS (FR) (Elusive City x LA Contessa), who is trained by CE. Rossi and was ridden by Marvin Grandin.

SHERSHAB was bred by Al Shaqab Racing. His dam, GHERDAIYA (Shamardal), who was bred by Al Shaqab Racing as well, carried the famous silver and gold colours of the latter concern to finish third in the Prix d’Aumale (Gr3). SHERSHAB is her first foal. The mare has also a two-year-old filly, SUBAHIYAH, by LE HAVRE and yearling by Invincible Spirit.

Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club