Zahrann

2022 b. c. Night Of Thunder - Zannda (Azamour)

Trained by Johnny Murtagh

By Night Of Thunder out of Group 3 winning Azamour mare Zannda, Zahrann traces his pedigree in the female line back to Mumtaz Mahal.

Making his debut as a three-year-old at Navan in April, Zahrann finished finished just a head second to a much more experienced rival. He went one better next time out, with a seven-length demolition of his rivals at Cork. One month later, he again powered clear – this time in Stakes company and over 12 furlongs in the Listed King George V Cup at Leopardstown. 

Trainer Johnny Murtagh predicted a bright future for the chesnut colt. “We’ll take it race by race. He’s a progressive three-year-old and I said to [the Aga Khan Studs team] this is our Calandagan, who won the King Edward VII at Ascot last year and was able to rock up at York (Juddmonte International) and in those big mile-and-a-quarter races.I’m hopeful this horse can keep improving right through the year and get right to the top.”

In the Gr.2 King Edward IV Stakes, won the previous year by subsequent Group 1 winner Calandagan, Zahrann found only favourite Amiloc too good on the good to firm going.

He went one better however in the Gr.2 Royal Whip Stakes back on home soil, breezing up the inside rail to finish two lengths ahead of stablemate Tangapour, with multiple Group 1 winner Los Angeles behind him in fourth.

"Hopefully we’ll be able to go for the Irish Champion Stakes now," said Murtagh. "Today was the test. We wanted to see where we stood today. Ben went the brave man’s route today, got the gap and he quickened up.

"It looked at Ascot as though he was a little bit slow, but I think a strong mile and a quarter should suit him around Leopardstown. He has to improve again but he might."

He added: "He’s very relaxed horse and doesn’t show much at home, he's learning on the job. He’s a typical Aga Khan horse and reminds me a bit of Sinndar that when he clicks into gear someday, he might realise how good he is.

"He’s still underdeveloped, and I think he could be a really nice four-year-old."