Son of Australian-bred mare O’Giselle lands Group 2 in Meydan

The Charlie Appleby-trained Zakouski (5 g ex Shamardal - O'Giselle by Octagonal) - who is a son of Australian-bred mare O’Giselle (Octagonal) - added a third stakes victory to his CV when he landed the Al Rashidiya (Gr 2, 1800m) at Meydan on Thursday. 

Owned by Godolphin, the five-year-old gelding surged to the front with 200 metres left to travel, eventually beating Court House (Dawn Approach) by three-quarters of a length. Lord Glitters (Whipper) was another nose away in third. 

O’Giselle is the dam of four winners headed by Group 3-winning pair King’s Command (Dubawi) and Albrecht (Redoute’s Choice). 

O’Giselle herself is a daughter of Group 3 winner Shadea (Straight Strike), making her a sister to champion multiple Group 1 winner Lonhro and fellow Group 1 winner Niello as well as Listed scorer Shannara. 

Further back this is the same pedigree as Group 1-winning pair Catalyst (Darci Brahma) and Devise (Darci Brahma).  

Zakouski is one of 151 stakes winners for the late Darley stallion Shamardal (Giant’s Causeway).