Golden Pal Sets Record in Second G2 Woodford Win

Golden Pal (4c Uncle Mo x Lady Shipman, by Midshipman) kept his North American record perfect on Saturday with an easy defense of last year’s Grade II Woodford Stakes victory.

As is his trademark way, Golden Pal went immediately to the lead in the 5 ½ furlong turf stakes and controlled the pace. Gear Jockey tried to put pressure on him throughout but as they came into the stretch, Golden Pal started to shake him off and the race was all but over from there.

Golden Pal built his lead to have plenty in hand when other runners closed in the end. Stopping the clock in 1:01.39, Golden Pal set a new stakes record in the race.

Trained by Wesley Ward for Westerberg and Coolmore, Golden Pal has won eight of 12 starts led by two Breeders’ Cup victories. The winner of eight stakes, Golden Pal was also second in the Group II Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot as a juvenile.

“Of all the horses I’ve ever trained – and fast ones – he’s just unbelievable, just an extreme talent,” Ward said. “The athleticism he has; he’s just like a cat when he moves for such a big colt. He’s got a brilliant mind to him as well. I really look forward to what he’s going to be as a stallion. He’s so smart in the barn, so quick and agile – I really look forward to his babies here.”

Randall Lowe-bred Golden Pal is out of the 11-time stakes winning Lady Shipman. Lady Shipman also finished second in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint – the same race Golden Pal won last year. She is the latest in a long line of stakes producers for the family with each of Golden Pal’s first four dams producing at least one stakes winner.

Lady Shipman returned to Uncle Mo last year and foaled a full sister to her Grade I winner now named Luvwhatyoudo on April 16.

Uncle Mo is the sire of 10 stakes winners and 34 stakes performers this year, led by Grade I Belmont Stakes winner Mo Donegal.