Promising Zoffany Colt Not For Catching

A fine front-running performance saw Shekhem (2c Zoffany - Shelina, by Dalakhani) take the seven furlong maiden at the Listowel Festival on Wednesday.

Setting a strong pace out in front under Chris Hayes, the chesnut was asked to quicken over a furlong from home and stayed on well to win by two lengths and three quarters. The short-priced favourite Louisiana (Galileo) claimed runners-up honours, just a nose in front of Maker Of Kings (Zoffany) in third.

Trained by Dermot Weld for owner/breeder His Highness the Aga Khan, Shekhem had finished second on his two previous starts behind promising juveniles Innisfree (Galileo) and Mogul (Galileo).

The son of Zoffany is a half-brother to Listed winner Shelir, while their dam is a full-sister to dual Group 3 winner Shemima.