Zarkava pencilled in for visit to Kildangan stalwart Shamardal

Shamardal - who supplied three unbeaten juvenile Group 1 winners last term in Earthlight, Pinatubo and Victor Ludorum - has been selected as the ninth stallion to cover the Aga Khan's legendary racemare and Group 1 producer Zarkava, according to French racing and breeding newsletter Jour de Galop.

The daughter of Zamindar won on all seven starts, with her 2008 Arc win one of five at the highest level, and since retiring to stud she has come up trumps with Zarak, her first foal by Dubawi.

The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud scorer stands at Haras de Bonneval and his oldest crop are now yearlings.

Zarkava delivered a filly foal by Dubawi last year and is in foal to dual world champion Frankel, carrying a full-sibling to Zarkamiya who was third to Kitesurf in the 2018 Prix Vermeille.

The only other stallion she has visited twice is Gilltown Stud resident Sea The Stars. In previous years, she has also featured on the dance card of Dalakhani, Galileo, Invincible Spirit, Redoute's Choice and Siyouni.

Shamardal has largely been restricted to covering Maktoum-owned mares in recent years and remains at a private fee as he embarks on his 15th covering season at Kildangan Stud this year.

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