Cork victory likely to lead big targets as the season goes on.
Shamida Shines in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes at Cork
Introduction
In a remarkable comeback, Shamida proved her class by winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes at Cork. After being off the track for 294 days, Dermot Weld's talented four-year-old filly showed her mettle by outpacing the competition, securing her third Group Three victory. This performance not only demonstrated Shamida’s resilience but also set the stage for her return to top-level racing in the coming months.
A Triumphant Return
Shamida's victory at Cork was a testament to her quality and the expert training by Dermot Weld. Having last raced in the Curragh Cup where she finished sixth, the Aga Khan-owned filly returned to the track with renewed vigor. Ridden by Chris Hayes, Shamida took control of the race, showing a strong turn of foot in the final straight to outpace Ballydoyle’s Mother Nature and Lily Heart, who had set a strong early pace.
Demonstrating Class at Group Three Level
Despite the mile-and-a-half distance being slightly shorter than her preferred trip, Shamida displayed her versatility and tactical speed. Her ability to close the race with authority underscored her status as a triple Group Three winner, a feat that places her among the elite in her category. "She is a very brave and honest filly and a very good one," said Kris Weld, assistant to his father. "We were surprised she wasn’t the favorite, but she showed today why she deserves her place at the top."
Looking Ahead to Greater Challenges
With this victory, Shamida is set to return to Group One competition, where she will face even stiffer competition. The Weld team, confident in her abilities, plans to carefully select her next engagements. "She has plenty of entries in the autumn, and we’ll see how she comes out of this race before making a decision. She’ll be going back up to Group One level again," Kris Weld confirmed.
Super Sox Impresses in the Irish EBF Platinum Stakes
On the same day, Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee celebrated success with Super Sox in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms Irish EBF Platinum Stakes. The filly, who had been progressive earlier in the season, made a strong return after a break since May. Sent off as the 11-4 joint-favorite, Super Sox demonstrated her quality, securing a convincing victory and reinforcing her potential for future success. "She is a nice filly with a good future," Twomey remarked, hinting at exciting plans for Super Sox in the coming seasons.
