Latest horse racing news from UK, Ireland, and around the world.

Jesse Evans digs deep for Grimes glory

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Jesse Evans made a successful return to the jumping game with a determined display in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary.

Noel Meade’s talented dual-purpose performer was unable to get involved when contesting the Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot a fortnight ago but having previously impressed over hurdles at Ballinrobe, the nine-year-old was among the market principals for this Grade Three contest at 7-2.

With 5-2 favourite Gaucher faltering on the run to the final flight, it was Barry Connell’s veteran Enniskerry who looked most likely to emerge victorious after taking over the lead, but Jesse Evans dug deep on the run-in for Donagh Meyler and passed the post a half-length to the good.

“He’s been great and has brought the owners all over the place and was in Ascot not so long ago. He’s a yard favourite,” said Meyler.

“He’s ground it out and is as tough as nails. He had a nice weight on the ratings and had match fitness on his side which definitely paid off there.

“He’s toughed it out the whole way up the straight. I’m not sure what plans are but he’s won a Graded race today and we’ll celebrate that.”

Meade was at Bellewstown, from where he told Racing TV: “I’m absolutely thrilled – he’s a little diamond. He’s not very big, but he wears his heart on his sleeve and he rarely runs a bad race.

“Jumping helps him as he’s a very slick jumper and he’s a marvellous horse. He’s won a lot of money – Flat, fences and hurdles.”

On future plans, he added: “I don’t think he’d get home in the Galway Plate. We’ll probably enter him in case the ground came up really good, but any time we’ve run him over further than two miles, it didn’t work.

“I’d say it’s unlikely we’ll run him in the Plate and I don’t think we’ll run him in the Galway Hurdle again either. He’s run well in it before, but he’s at the top of the handicap and it would be very hard for him.

“If he went to Galway there’s a chase there he might run in instead, but we’ll see.”

Oisin Murphy admits ‘no excuse’ after pleading guilty to drink-driving offence

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Multiple champion jockey Oisin Murphy has said there was “no excuse” for his actions, having been fined £70,000 and banned from driving for 20 months after admitting driving a car while drunk and crashing into a tree earlier this year.

The 29-year-old was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol.

In a statement, Murphy said: “I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions. I know that drink driving is unacceptable and there is no excuse for what I did.

“I have let a lot of people down. I particularly want to apologise to my passenger and her family.

“I have so far been able to share only minimal details of my offence with the British Horseracing Authority as a result of the police investigation. I will now be fully co-operative with their enquiries.

“It would not be appropriate for me to comment further until that process is concluded.”

The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed Murphy is free to continue riding, although the governing body expressed “disappointment” in his conduct and plans to place new conditions on his licence.

A spokesperson said: “Everyone at the BHA, like all involved in our sport, is disappointed today having learned the details of the offence to which Oisin Murphy has pleaded guilty.

Oisin Murphy arrives at Reading Magistrates’ Court
Oisin Murphy arrives at Reading Magistrates’ Court (Jonathan Brady/PA)

“This is a very serious offence that, in the course of being committed, saw Mr Murphy jeopardise not only his own safety but that of his passenger and all other people travelling on the roads at the same time as him that night.

“His conduct fell a long way short of the standard we expect of all licensed individuals, in whom we place trust that they will represent our sport to the best of their abilities, upholding our collective reputation and ensuring racing is a safe place for all.

“In light of Mr Murphy’s guilty plea and the information revealed in court today, we will be working on the addition of new conditions on his licence that may be referred to the Licensing Committee for their consideration. As has been the case in recent weeks, Mr Murphy remains free to take up his riding engagements.

“We will issue an update on this process in due course and will be making no further comment at this time.”

Jockey Oisin Murphy leaving court
Jockey Oisin Murphy leaving court (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Murphy was charged by postal requisition on June 19 after he drove his grey Mercedes A Class off the road and into a tree in Hermitage, Berkshire, at about 12.05am on April 27.

The court heard that he and his passenger, who was the owner of the car, were both taken to hospital after the crash and that Murphy was later discharged to take a breathalyser test at a police station at about 7am, which showed a reading of 66mg per 100 millilitres of breath.

This meant he was “just shy of twice above the drink-driving limit” at the time of driving, prosecutor Richard Atkins told the court.

Sporting a dark blue suit, white shirt and tie, Murphy only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, before entering his guilty plea.

Judge Sam Goozee, sentencing, told Murphy: “You are lucky that neither you, your passenger, or the public were injured by your actions.

“I do balance that with the remorse you have shown for your actions. You have also recognised that you have let the public down by virtue of your actions, and your colleagues in the racing world.”

Oisin Murphy seen celebrating a winner at Royal Ascot last month
Oisin Murphy seen celebrating a winner at Royal Ascot last month (David Davies/PA)

In addition to his £70,000 fine, Murphy must pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 in costs. The figures were calculated based on his annual earnings, which the court heard are in the region of £250,000 a year, in addition to a weekly salary of £1,250.

Murphy will also have to complete a drink-driving awareness course by August 13 2026, and will be able to reapply for a driving licence by November next year.

The four-times champion jockey is due to be in action at Saratoga on Friday night, where he is booked to partner New Century in the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes, before jetting back from America in time to team up with 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court in Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

Al Nayyir out to make most of Marathon opportunity

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Having bumped into subsequent Gold Cup hero Trawlerman on his latest visit to Sandown, Al Nayyir bids to open his account for the season in the Coral Marathon at the Esher circuit on Friday.

Narrowly beaten by Vauban on his first start for trainer Tom Clover in last summer’s Lonsdale Cup at York, the seven-year-old spent the winter months abroad, finishing fifth in the Red Sea Turf Handicap in Saudi Arabia and then eighth in Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan.

He was not disgraced when third behind Trawlerman and Coltrane on his return to British action in the Henry II Stakes in late May and takes the latter on again at Listed level on the eve of the Coral-Eclipse.

Clover said: “He seems to be in good shape, so I hope he’ll run a nice race. He’s training well and we’re looking forward to running him.

“Trawlerman was obviously impressive (at Royal Ascot) and I’d like to think we’ve come forward a touch from that run. If we’re there or thereabouts that would be great.

“I just felt he stalled a little bit last time out perhaps and we thought the cheekpieces might just sharpen him up a bit, we’ll see.”

Andrew Balding’s Coltrane is sent back into battle just over a fortnight after finishing fifth in the Gold Cup, while Alan King declared his stable star Trueshan, but he has since been declared a non-runner due to unsuitable ground.

Listed honours are also up for grabs in the preceding Davies Insurance Solutions Gala Stakes, which sees William Knight’s stable stalwart Checkandchallenge test his powers against the Balding-trained Windlord and Cash from David Simcock’s yard, among others.

Windlord, owned by Juddmonte, has been deployed as a pacemaker for the brilliant Field Of Gold in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes on his last two starts and now returns to a venue where he has smart form hoping to make the most of his sights being lowered.

Oisin Murphy fined £70,000 and banned from driving for 20 months after admitting drink-driving

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Multiple champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been fined £70,000 and banned from driving for 20 months after admitting driving a car while drunk and crashing into a tree earlier this year.

The 29-year-old was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol.

He was charged by postal requisition on June 19 after he drove his grey Mercedes A Class off the road and into a tree in Hermitage, Berkshire, at about 12.05am on April 27.

He had a passenger with him at the time, who was the owner of the car, the court heard. They were both taken to hospital after the crash.

Murphy was later discharged to take a breathalyser test at a police station at about 7am, which showed a reading of 66mg per 100 millilitres of breath.

Oisin Murphy seen leaving court on Thursday
Oisin Murphy seen leaving court on Thursday (Jonathan Brady/PA)

This meant he was “just shy of twice above the drink-driving limit” at the time of driving, prosecutor Richard Atkins told the court.

Sporting a dark blue suit, white shirt and tie, Murphy only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, before entering his guilty plea.

Judge Sam Goozee, sentencing, told Murphy: “You are lucky that neither you, your passenger, or the public were injured by your actions.

“I do balance that with the remorse you have shown for your actions.

“You have also recognised that you have let the public down by virtue of your actions, and your colleagues in the racing world.”

Murphy’s defence barrister Alex Di Francesco offered the court an apology on behalf of his client.

Mr Di Francesco said: “He wants to apologise, first to his passenger, to the public and other road users… and he wants to apologise to those whom he works alongside.”

Oisin Murphy rode five winners at Royal Ascot last month
Oisin Murphy rode five winners at Royal Ascot last month (David Davies/PA)

The day he was officially charged was the Thursday of Royal Ascot week, when he rode a double courtesy of Arabian Story and Never So Brave. He ended the showpiece meeting with five winners in total.

Murphy is due to be in action at Saratoga on Friday night, where he is booked to partner New Century in the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes, before jetting back from America in time to team up with 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court in Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.

In addition to his fine, Murphy must pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 in costs. The figures were calculated based on his annual earnings, which the court heard are in the region of £250,000 a year, in addition to a weekly salary of £1,250.

Murphy will also have to complete a drink-driving awareness course by August 13 2026, and will be able to reapply for a driving licence by November next year.

The British Horseracing Authority confirmed Murphy is free to continue riding, although the governing body expressed “disappointment” in his conduct and plans to place new conditions on his licence.

A spokesperson said: “Everyone at the BHA, like all involved in our sport, is disappointed today having learned the details of the offence to which Oisin Murphy has pleaded guilty.

“This is a very serious offence that, in the course of being committed, saw Mr Murphy jeopardise not only his own safety but that of his passenger and all other people travelling on the roads at the same time as him that night.

“His conduct fell a long way short of the standard we expect of all licensed individuals, in whom we place trust that they will represent our sport to the best of their abilities, upholding our collective reputation and ensuring racing is a safe place for all.

“In light of Mr Murphy’s guilty plea and the information revealed in court today, we will be working on the addition of new conditions on his licence that may be referred to the Licensing Committee for their consideration. As has been the case in recent weeks, Mr Murphy remains free to take up his riding engagements.

“We will issue an update on this process in due course and will be making no further comment at this time.”

Oisin Murphy pleads guilty to drink driving offence

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Multiple champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been fined £70,000 after admitting drink driving after he crashed his car into a tree earlier this year.

The 29-year-old appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon where he pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit of alcohol.

He was not asked to plead on another count of failing to cooperate with a preliminary test at the roadside.

The four-times champion was charged by postal requisition on June 19 after he drove his grey Mercedes A Class off the road and into a tree in Hermitage, Berkshire, at about 12.05am on April 27.

He was officially charged on the Thursday of Royal Ascot week, when he rode a double courtesy of Arabian Story and Never So Brave. He ended the showpiece meeting with five winners in total.

Almaqam plans on ice as quick ground scuppers Sandown run

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Almaqam could be rerouted to the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes or given a midsummer break, after being ruled out of this weekend’s Coral-Eclipse at Sandown due to unsuitable ground.

Connections were keen to have a crack at Saturday’s Group One feature, with the four-year-old having impressed over the course and distance when getting the better of the subsequent Prince of Wales’s Stakes victor and Eclipse favourite Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard in late May.

However, with the ground at the Esher circuit still on the quick side, trainer Ed Walker has elected to play it safe and with a line also put through next week’s Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket, Almaqam will either head to Ascot on July 26 or be saved for an autumn campaign.

“It is (frustrating to miss the Eclipse), but it’s out of our hands,” said Walker.

“He won’t go to Newmarket next week. I guess he could possibly go for the King George, but I need to speak to the team and work out whether we go there or give him a break now and keep him fresh for the autumn.

“Everything is on hold at the moment.”

Staya ready to fire in Dragon Stakes task

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Staya makes a quick return in Friday’s 50 Years Together Coral Dragon Stakes at Sandown after her promising run in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot.

Beaten only one and three-quarter lengths in fifth place behind True Love, Staya had previously been a comfortable winner on her Yarmouth debut and George Scott’s talented two-year-old now drops back to Listed company for a race the Newmarket handler won with Rocket Rodney in 2022.

Scott said: “She ran great. We were really happy with her.

“She was a little bit green under pressure. I think she’s probably come on for the run.

“It was either come here to Sandown or go to the July meeting and I’d really like to make her a stakes winner, then I’d be thinking about working back from the Lowther (at York) or something.

“I think this is a more sensible option for her. I do think she’s going to be a fun two-year-old filly. I really like her.”

Charlie Appleby’s Military Code is back to the distance he won at in his first two starts after failing to make his mark when upped to six furlongs for the Coventry Stakes, while Karl Burke’s Love Olivia is seeking a revival having been well held at the Royal meeting.

Rogue Supremacy is one of two in the race for David O’Meara alongside Solana Rose and was another fancied to play a leading role at Ascot.

However, in contrast to Military Code and Love Olivia, the son of St Mark’s Basilica had valid excuses when finishing down the field in the Windsor Castle.

Tony Elliott, founder of owners The Rogues Gallery, said: “We were very disappointed at Ascot and Daniel Tudhope (jockey) came in and apologised for getting it wrong, which is allowed to happen from time to time.

“He said he followed the wrong horses who he thought would go forward and they didn’t, so it was jockey error to a point and hopefully we can get it right this time with less horses in the field. Unfortunately Daniel couldn’t ride, so we have Hector Crouch on who is riding really well for us lately.

“The horse is very well and we’re expecting him to go close. We feel he has improved again at home and it’s hard to know with these St Mark’s Basilicas as at the moment we’re the best one. It’s always an experiment with a horse by a first-season stallion, but we’re hoping for big things at Sandown.”

Richard Hannon’s Lebron Power impressed on debut at Windsor and is upped in class for just his second start, while Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole’s Blue Orbit is another heading to the race on the back of a victory. Rod Millman’s course runner-up Killavia completes the line-up.

The Lion In Winter joins battle in the Prix Jean Prat

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Aidan O’Brien has added The Lion In Winter to Sunday’s Prix Jean Prat at Thursday’s supplementary stage, meaning a maximum of 10 will line-up in Sunday’s Group One feature at Deauville.

It is interesting the son of Sea The Stars reverts to the distance he excelled over at York as a juvenile, winning an Acomb Stakes which had Wimbledon Hawkeye in second and subsequent 2000 Guineas hero Ruling Court back in third.

That would be his final outing at two, with a late setback ruling him out of the Dewhurst Stakes, but he was one of the market leaders throughout the winter until somewhat underwhelming in his comeback run in the Dante back on the Knavesmire.

Unperturbed by that performance, connections continued to Epsom, but after again failing to sparkle when well beaten in the premier Classic, The Lion In Winter now drops back to seven furlongs on the Normandy Coast.

Juddmonte have added Andre Fabre’s filly Apollo Fountain to the field for a race the master trainer has won a joint-record five times.

She joins fellow Juddmonte-owned contender, Harry Charlton’s Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Cosmic Year, and Charlie Appleby’s high-class Shadow Of Light in what could be a red-hot cast, with the home defence led by Christopher Head’s Maranoa Charlie who brings British interest thanks to his owners, the Yorkshire-based Bond Thoroughbreds operation.

Ombudsman leads the way in Eclipse for the ages

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A top-class field of six horses will go to post for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.

All eyes will be on Ombudsman after his brilliant Prince of Wales’s Stakes victory at Royal Ascot, although John and Thady Gosden’s four-year-old faces a serious test.

Leading the opposition is Sosie for French master Andre Fabre, while Aidan O’Brien runs beaten Derby favourite Delacroix, who is the choice of Ballydoyle number one Ryan Moore, and French Derby hero Cammille Pissaro, who will be reunited with Christophe Soumillon.

Hotazhell, winner of the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster last year, takes his chance for Jessica Harrington and is a third Irish raider making the visit to Esher.

Charlie Appleby has opted to run his 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, who completes the sextet stepping up to 10 furlongs for the first time and will be partnered by Oisin Murphy, with Godolphin number one William Buick pledging his allegiance to Ombudsman.

York one of the options being explored for rising star Daryz

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The Juddmonte International Stakes is “definitely an option” for the exciting Daryz, as connections search for the ideal route to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

The regally-bred son of Sea The Stars impressively enhanced his unbeaten record in Saint-Cloud’s Prix Eugene Adam, with trainer Francis-Henri Graffard said to be “quite interested” on another York raid, having seen Calandagan chase home City Of Troy 12 months ago in a race since officially recognised as the best in the world.

“We’re slightly scratching our heads with Daryz and we would need to sit down with Princess Zahra as well as there are several options we can take with the horse,” said Nemone Routh, racing manager for owners the Aga Khan Studs in France.

“I know Francis is quite interested in the idea of bringing him to the Juddmonte International and he’s obviously done very well over that trip and we’ve only ever run him him over a mile and a quarter, so it is the right trip for him.

“It would be a big ask as Sunday was only his fourth start, but he’s an improving horse and we’re really excited by him, he’s bred in the purple and a proper horse.”

Daryz entered the Arc picture after claiming the scalp of George Scott’s Bay City Roller at Saint-Cloud, with some firms going as short as 12-1 for Europe’s richest middle-distance prize.

And that race is firmly in connections’ thoughts as they also consider a long-established stepping stone closer to home ahead of the ParisLongchamp feature on October 5.

Routh added: “We have an eye on the Arc at the end of the year, but he needs to run before that and there’s several different races he could run in. He could have a traditional prep for the Arc in the Prix Niel or he could take in something like York.

“We’ll have to weigh everything up with him as he is still a little immature, but he’s improved with every race and York is definitely an option. We will just have to see what is the right option as we haven’t quite figured that out.”

With King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes-bound Calandagan also entered, Routh continued: “We would be very happy to have a runner in the race, we’re just not quite sure at this stage if it will be Daryz.

“It will come down to what the trainer thinks and what the owner thinks, but we wanted to have both Calandagan and Daryz entered for York to give us the option. We had a great time with Calandagan there last year and it’s a great track and the Juddmonte International a great race.”

Racing Bulletin for 03/07/2025

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O’Brien: Not out of the question Moore opts for Delacroix in the Eclipse

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Aidan O’Brien has kept the door open for Ryan Moore to ride Delacroix in the Coral-Eclipse, as he confirmed both the beaten Derby favourite and winner of the French equivalent, Camille Pissarro, would head to Sandown on Saturday.

Camille Pissarro is slightly shorter than his stablemate in the sponsor’s betting, with Coral going 13-2 about the Chantilly Classic winner and 8-1 Delacroix, who will bid to bounce back from Epsom disappointment.

Speaking at Tipperary on Wednesday evening, O’Brien suggested the Ballydoyle number one was yet to make the final call on who he will ride: “We are declaring in the morning, and it looks like Delacroix and Camille Pissarro are going to go. That’s what the lads are thinking.

Aidan O'Brien with Ryan Moore and Coolmore boss John Magnier
Aidan O’Brien with Ryan Moore and Coolmore boss John Magnier (Brian Lawless/PA)

“It is not written in stone, but there is a chance Ryan could ride Delacroix, we’ll see.”

O’Brien also provided updates on dual Derby hero Lambourn and Pretty Polly scorer Whirl after both excelled in the feature events at the Curragh last weekend.

Options remain fluid for Lambourn, who could set out on a path to add to his Classic haul at Doncaster in September, or take on his elders in Ascot’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Meanwhile, Oaks heroine Minnie Hauk could be left to replicate Lambourn by following up Epsom victory at the Curragh, meaning Whirl remains at 10 furlongs for the Nassau Stakes during the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

Lambourn added the Irish Derby at the Curragh to his CV on Sunday
Lambourn added the Irish Derby at the Curragh to his CV on Sunday (Brian Lawless/PA)

“Lambourn hasn’t done anything since Sunday and probably won’t for seven to 10 days,” continued O’Brien.

“His options are to be trained for the King George or have a little rest and maybe go for a Voltigeur and a St Leger, but we’ll see what the lads want to do. He’s a hardy customer, a brave horse.

“We are thinking of the Nassau for Whirl and she’s a hardy lady too. She could go there, and Minnie Hauk will be trained for the Irish Oaks.

“(Ribblesdale Stakes winner) Garden Of Eden could also be trained for the Irish Oaks.”

Bond backing Maranoa Charlie to go the distance at Deauville

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It promises to be a big afternoon for all connected with Bond Thoroughbreds on Sunday, as the exciting Maranoa Charlie makes the first start for the Yorkshire-based operation in the Prix Jean Prat.

Monsieur Bond and Ladies Are Forever both famously flourished in the black and yellow spots of the late Reg Bond, who enjoyed Group One success in France as part-owner of 2014 Prix de l’Abbaye winner Move In Time.

Now with son Charlie now at the helm, the Bond Thoroughbreds operation has a growing broodmare band at Yapham Mill Stud near Pocklington and have added a touch of quality to the ranks by swooping for Christopher Head’s crack French-trained three-year-old Maranoa Charlie, who is blessed with both a glowing pedigree and impressive on-track CV.

Monsieur Bond is one of the most famous names to represent the Yorkshire-based team
Monsieur Bond is one of the most famous names to represent the Yorkshire-based team (John Giles/PA)

“The reason we bought him was his form, but to have a colt with the speed in the pedigree from Tiggy Wiggy and by Wootton Bassett was so exciting to add to the ranks with what Bond Thoroughbreds is trying to achieve in racing,” said Charlie Bond.

“Wootton Bassett is flying at the minute and he looks to have great stallion potential for a long way down the line. We have a big broodmare band now, so we do need to be looking towards the future as well.

“We saw his last win and the time of the race compared to the other racing that day and he won a bit cosily carrying a penalty. The previous owners were fantastic to deal with and will be joining us on Sunday at Deauville.”

Maranoa Charlie was subject to plenty of hype as a two-year-old when effortlessly winning his first three starts before seeing his momentum checked when upped to Group One level at Saint-Cloud in the final outing of his juvenile campaign.

However, he has left that minor blip in the past since returning this season, winning two Group Three contests to tee-up a return to the highest level at Deauville – which in turn could lead to a raiding mission to York for the upgraded Sky Bet City of York Stakes on August 23.

“The main race for him will probably be the City of York which Christopher identified and it is our home track, which I think will really suit him,” added Bond.

“Obviously we will see how he gets on stepping back into to Group One company on Sunday, Christopher is looking forward to running him and we’ll get to see what level he is at.

Cosmic Year is a possible opponent of Maranoa Charlie
Cosmic Year is a possible opponent of Maranoa Charlie (David Davies/PA)

“It’s the best of the best in the Jean Prat and we’re straight in there in a really hot race.

“But his stature, when you look at the videos we’ve been sent of him, has been impressive and we’re really looking forward to seeing him in person.

“I’m also really looking forward to seeing him as a four-year-old. He’s a great looking horse now, but the potential improvement at four looks to be there.”

Maranoa Charlie is one of eight standing their ground for the Deauville feature, with Harry Charlton’s Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Cosmic Year and Charlie Appleby’s dual Group One-winning two-year-old Shadow Of Light providing further British interest.

Sandown not in Chapple-Hyam’s plans for Kon Tiki

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Kon Tiki will miss this Saturday’s Coral Distaff, with Jane Chapple-Hyam preferring to wait for Ascot’s Longines Valiant Stakes later this month.

Chapple-Hyam would like to give her filly longer to recover from her exertions in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, meaning she will not be seen in Listed action at Sandown this weekend or in Newmarket’s Group One Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes next Friday.

Chapple-Hyam said: “I’m not going to run Kon Tiki at Sandown, it is a little bit too soon after Royal Ascot so we’re just going to sit and wait.

“I think we’ll be looking at a Group Three for her next and something like the Valiant Stakes back at Ascot (July 26).”

The daughter of Night Of Thunder won her first three outings in great style, winning twice on the all-weather before transferring that form to turf when scooping Listed honours at York in the spring.

She was then given a chance in elite company after being supplemented for a red-hot Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting, finishing a creditable seventh in a race won by Joseph Murphy’s Cercene.

Sosie carrying French hopes of total Eclipse at the weekend

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French ace Sosie is primed to continue his flying start to the season when he travels to Britain for the first time in a star-studded Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday.

The four-year-old has won six of his nine starts for Andre Fabre, breaking his Group One duck in the Grand Prix de Paris last season before signing off with a fourth-placed finish in the Arc.

The Sea The Stars colt appears to have taken his game to another level since returning to action this spring, successfully dropping back in trip to land both the Prix Ganay and the Prix d’Ispahan at ParisLongchamp, and connections expect a stiff mile and a quarter at Sandown to suit him ideally.

Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for owners the Wertheimer brothers, said: “I think he’s a very good horse, he’s won three Group Ones and we’re very excited to travel him to England for such a big race.

“The fact he has now won Group Ones over nine furlongs and 10 furlongs changed a lot of things, of course. I don’t know how the ground (at Sandown) is going to be at the moment, but he will be happy with good ground.”

Sosie is second-favourite for the Eclipse behind John and Thady Gosden’s Ombudsman, who is set to turn out less than three weeks after his brilliant display in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Aidan O’Brien’s French Derby winner Camille Pissarro and the Owen Burrows-trained Anmaat are other contenders for what looks a particularly strong renewal, but having seen Vadeni become the first French-trained winner of the race since 1960 three years ago, Sosie’s camp are relishing the challenge.

“I think it’s a very good test and it’s a very strong field,” Bureau added.

“It will be interesting to see the three-year-olds and it comes quite quickly for the horses after Royal Ascot, but our horse is doing very well and hopefully he can be competitive.”

It is 10 years since the famous Wertheimer silks were last carried into the Group One winner’s enclosure in Britain, with Solow winning the Queen Anne, the Sussex Stakes and the QEII during a fantastic 2015 campaign.

Bureau said: “We don’t come that often, but we like to come with horses that have strong chances.

“It’s going to be very exciting, hopefully Sosie can continue the very nice start he has made this year.”

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