'She has progressed from every race' - Group 1 target on Arc weekend for Dermot Weld's prolific Shamida

Shamida (left): foils the late challenge of Dawn Rising

Shamida: seen here beating Dawn Rising in the Irish St Leger TrialCredit: Patrick McCann

Dermot Weld has his sights set on Arc weekend for the prolific Shamida, who will be aimed at the Group 1 Prix de Royallieu, won last year by Sea La Rosa.

Shamida began the campaign a maiden but, after finishing third behind subsequent Yorkshire Oaks winner Warm Heart at Leopardstown in May, she has completed a hat-trick. The daughter of Australia produced the best performance of her career when fighting off a trio of Joseph O'Brien-trained rivals to land the Irish St Leger Trial at the Curragh.

All three of her victories have been by half a length or less and Weld praised her appetite for a battle as he prepares her for the biggest one yet at Longchamp on September 30.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 30 August 2023inIreland

Last updated 18:15, 30 August 2023

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