First foals of Portamento eagerly awaited by Hedgeholme Stud connections

Multiple winner and stakes-placed Portamento, who formerly raced in the famous Godolphin silks, is reported to be thriving as a stallion at Andrew Spalding's Hedgeholme Stud in Darlington.

The son of Shamardal, who was bred by Darley and raced for Charlie Appleby until 2017, won six of his 38 starts and was placed a further nine times, including in stakes company.

Portamento was second in the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at three before an eyecatching third behind champion sprinter Blue Point in the Group 2 Meydan Sprint last year, having changed ownership to Malih Al Basti.

Al Basti said: “I've always liked Portamento and was anxious to breed from him. I'm delighted to stand him alongside my other horse with Andrew and Deborah at Hedgeholme Stud, Intrinsic, who from a small book of mares has enjoyed considerable success with his stock. Portamento should be an exciting horse for breeders.”

The eight-year-old, who arrived at Hedgeholme in late April this year, is the only son of Darley stalwart Shamardal standing in the north of England.

Spalding added: “Portamento is an exceptionally good looking horse and we're looking forward to seeing his first foals in the spring.

"He proved to be a very fertile horse and has developed well over the summer. and with Shamardal having several sons at stud Portamento will hopefully be an attractive option for breeders.”

A fee has yet to be set for Portamento, who is joined at the stud by former Kildangan stallion and Group 1-winning juvenile The Last Lion.

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