New Stakes winner as Zelzal's juveniles flourish
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ZELZAL added a new Stakes winner to his record over the weekend, while a trio of juvenile victories continued an excellent spell for his youngest runners and highlighted the depth of form currently enjoyed by the leading sire in France.
The headline performance came in the United States, where BANDIAGARA captured the $150,000 Penn Oaks at Penn National on May 29. Racing for Madaket Stables, Kisber Racing, Bill Strauss and West Point Thoroughbreds, and trained by Miguel Clement, the filly became a new Stakes winner for her sire with a determined success over a mile on turf. Bred by Oceanic Bloodstock and Anne Gravereaux, she is out of Mintaka (Zamindar) and had already shown her quality as a juvenile when finishing third in the Critérium du Fonds Européen de l’Élevage at Deauville.
ZELZAL's two-year-olds have also continued to make a notable impact. Following the recent success of ROSZAL in the Prix Prince Chevalier at Saint-Cloud, another daughter of ZELZAL emerged in Spain as ZELRYA recorded a second consecutive victory at La Zarzuela on May 31. Bred by Al Shaqab Racing out of Al Jdariya (Dubawi), the filly races for Cuadra Mediterraneo and trainer Guillermo Arizkorreta. Having already won at Saint-Cloud in April, she has now made it back-to-back wins in impressive fashion.
The juvenile sequence continued the following day when OFFICINE opened her account at Cholet in the Prix des Marronniers over 1,350 metres. Racing for Ecurie Magnien and trained by Edouard Monfort, the filly rebounded from her debut effort to score at her second start. Bred by C. Magnien, she is out of Mrs Upjohn (Dabirsim).
Among the 3yo runners, GET OUTTA HERE added an international success at Lingfield on May 30. Racing for Jayar Investments and trained by David Menuisier, the three-year-old colt gained a deserved first victory after showing promise in his previous starts. Bred by Mme C. Vitse, Mr G. Vitse and Mme V. Vitse, he is out of Artifix (Lawman).
Beyond the winners, ZELZAL was also represented by a standout performance at the highest level in Sunday's Qatar Prix du Jockey Club Gr.1. Racing in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, our homebred ALAM, out of Katara (Deep Impact), produced the fastest acceleration of the race. Trained by Mikel Delzangles, the three-year-old reached a top speed of 64.4 km/h between the final 400 and 200 metres, the best figure recorded in the closing stages and notably matching the sectional achieved by champion Ace Impact in the record setting 2023 renewal. First home among the French contingent, he once again showcased the striking turn of foot that makes him one of the most exciting homebred sons of ZELZAL.
Congratulations to all breeders and connections!
