Shamardal Blood Highlights Crackerjack King

Tara Madgwick - Tuesday October 8
World renowned sire Shamardal has never been going better with three undefeated Group I winning two year-old colts in Europe this year for Godolphin and Victorian breeders have access to his bloodline this spring through not only promising sire Puissance de Lune (IRE), but also the Wyndholm Park based Crackerjack King (IRE).

Crackerjack KingA fast Group I winner with seven victories up to 2200 metres from 14 starts, Crackerjack King has more than a few things in common with Puissance de Lune in that both were high class weight-for-age middle distance horses and both have a rich female pedigree steeped in Black type.

With his oldest progeny just turned three, Puissance de Lune has been making news this week with his three year-old filly Moonlight Maid taking out the Group II VRC Edward Manifold Stakes last Saturday at Flemington.

Trained by Mitchell Freedman, Moonlight Maid is entered for the Group I VRC Oaks.

"She's right on track, she's a Group II winner out of a horse I've had a lot of thrills with, I've looked after the mother and the father as a foreman (for Darren Weir) and it's great to be able to train the progeny of them," said Mitchell Freedman.

Bred by Gerry Ryan's Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds, Moonlight Maid has the honour of being the first winner and first stakes-winner for Puissance de Lune, who also may have a Victoria Derby contender in Southern Moon.

A close second to Adelaide Ace at his previous start in the Victoria Derby Trial at Flemington last month over 1800 metres, the Mitchell Freedman trained colt relished the step out to 2000 metres at Donald on Tuesday, cruising home to win by two lengths as a short priced favourite.

Entered for the Group I VRC Victoria Derby, Southern Moon is clearly on an upswing and with nearly $50,000 in prizemoney is working his way towards a start in the rich staying race for three year-olds.

The oldest progeny of Crackerjack King have also turned three and from just four runners three have been placed, so it's only a matter of time before he too has winners on the board.

Priced at just $6,600, Crackerjack King stands at Wyndholm Park and is a value son of one of the world's best sires, who is now virtually a private sire for Sheikh Mohammed.

Shamardal is riding high this year as the sire of three undefeated Group I winning two year old colts in Europe for Godolphin in Pinatubo, Earthlight and Victor Ludorum, so his legacy as a sire of sires is set to stretch far into the future.

Advertisment
More Reading...
The Yearlings You Know You Want to See!
A flood of yearling images uploaded to the Magic Millions website ahead of the Christmas break have brought the first major Australian sale of 2025 to life in an online sense and for those who have not been visiting the farms in the lead up to the sale it’s a great chance to get a look at some of the superstar yearlings.
2024 Favourite Foal Winner
Firstly we’d like to thank everyone for taking an interest in our foal gallery and supporting their favourites, but there was always a sentimental top pick for many and the most famous foal in the country has now won his first race!
A Crackerjack Sire
A fast stayer with an exceptional pedigree by an outstanding shuttle sire in Shamardal, Crackerjack King (IRE) stands at Wyndholm Park Stud in Victoria and has his first two year-old runners this season, which are sure to spark interest given the burgeoning stud success being enjoyed by his ill-fated half-brother Jakkalberry (IRE).
Little Brose to Stand at Little Avondale
Arguably there is no better stallion making race in Australasia than Victoria's only Gr.1 event for two-year-olds, the Blue Diamond Stakes, and when you add the hottest bloodline in the Southern Hemisphere to the mix, you have an exciting stallion prospect. 
Promising New Winner for Black Caviar
The racing and bloodstock world were saddened earlier this year following  the passing of undefeated world champion sprinter Black Caviar and her memory was recalled at Wangaratta on Monday when her three year-old filly Persian Caviar made a winning debut.
He’s a Cracker!
A fast stayer with an exceptional pedigree by an outstanding shuttle sire in Shamardal, Crackerjack King (IRE) is all class and stands at Wyndholm Park Stud in Victoria this spring.
Sires With Winners - Monday December 23
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
A busy set of trials at Rosehill on Monday morning featured four heats for juveniles and the winners were all unraced youngsters by Tassort, Too Darn Hot (GB), Super Seth and Golden Slipper winner Farnan, while a Wootton Bassett (GB) colt showed he could possibly still get to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Twin Hills to Offer Brother to Silver Slipper Winner
Twin Hills Stud are prepared to be kept busy at Magic Millions presenting a quality draft of 15 youngsters by a diverse range of proven and promising sires with the full brother to Group II ATC Silver Slipper Stakes winner Straight Charge an obvious highlight.
Magic Millions Order of Entry Updated – Blue Point Fillies on the Rise
After a busy weekend of racing, the Magic Millions order of entry for the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas have been given a shake up with two fillies by Blue Point (IRE), a stallion that has had a mixed reception Australia, shooting into contention for the big day at the Gold Coast on January 11.