Former Darley shuttler Country Reel sired his first northern hemisphere winner when Miss Shanghai scored a length and a half victory in the Prix Kefalin (1100m) at Maisons-Laffitte on Monday.

Miss Shanghai (2f Country Reel – Miss Breezy by Sicyos) was sold for a mere 2,500 euros as a foal at the Arqana Sale in December 2007.  She becomes the third winner for her dam who is from the family of Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Desert Stormer.

Country Reel was a smart juvenile himself, winning on his debut before going on to land the G2 Gimcrack Stakes.  He also boasts an impressive sire’s pedigree being a son of Danzig and a three-quarter brother to Anabaa and Key Of Luck.

Country Reel shuttled from Haras du Logis to Australia in 2005 and 2006 but was sent back to Europe to escape E.I. in 2007.

His first Australian crop numbered 47 foals and easily the best of the half-dozen to race is the Paul Murray trained Phenomenal Lass who has earned $183,000.

Phenomenal Lass (2f Country Reel – Phenomenal by Canny Lad) defeated Shellscrape at Randwick and Rosehill late last year and her best autumn effort was a fast finishing second to Delago Bolt in the LR Black Opal in Canberra.