Knight Shield Becomes The Latest Winner By Starspangledbanner

The list of juvenile winners by Starspangledbanner continues to grow, as Knight Shield (2c Starspangledbanner - Three Decades, by Invincible Spirit) became the latest addition when scoring over six furlongs on debut at Windsor.

The “Newcomers” Maiden Stakes saw 12 go to post, with Pat Dobbs riding the eventual winner close to the pace, pushing him along as the pace increased approaching the two furlong pole. Shaken up to chase the leader a furlong from home, he stayed on to lead in the shadow of the post, denying Tambourine Girl by the shortest of margins.

Pat Dobbs commented after the race, “Knight Shield jumped okay and travelled once he got amongst them after a furlong, as he was a little bit keen for a furlong, but he relaxed lovely and I always thought I was going to win. He is a burly little horse and will improve a lot fitness-wise.”

Trained by William Haggas for MM Stables, Knight Shield was bought by Armando Duarte from Tally Ho Stud for £140,000 at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale. He was bred by MP and RJ Coleman and is a half-brother to Listed winner and Group 3 third Melbourne Memories.

Starspangledbanner commands €17,500 this season.