Shamardal was the first horse to complete the French Classic double of the Poule d''Essai des Poulains and Prix du Jockey Club since 1961.

Shamardal (by Giants Causeway out of Helsinki) was the top rated European two year old in 2004. He finished his first season unbeaten by winning the Dewhurst Stakes, a race previously won by great champions like Mill Reef.

Shamardal started his 2005 European campaign by winning the Gp 1 Poule d''Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas) at Longchamp in May.

He suffered his first defeat when running on dirt for the first time in the UAE Derby in Dubai on Dubai World Cup day, a race won brilliantly by twelve lengths by the late Blues and Royals.

Shamardal returned to France for the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) over ten furlongs at Chantilly. Frankie Dettori dictated the race from the start. In the straight, Shamardal quickened into the lead and won from late finishing favourite Hurricane Run, who won the 2005 Arc de Triomphe.

He was Godolphin`s first French Derby winner.

Shamardal ran again nine days later and won the St James''s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot (at York), again making all the running to win by three lengths over Ad Valorem. In the absence of suspended Frankie Dettori, Godolphins number two jockey Kerrin McEvoy, rode Shamardal.

On the eve of his intended race with Epsom Derby winner Motivator in the Coral Eclipse Stakes, the news of Shamardal''s retirement was announced.

Due to an injury sustained in training, the four time Group One Classic was retired to stud.

Shamardal is standing at Kildangan Stud in Ireland.