Aesterius sparkled in Group Three Prix d’Arenberg

Archie Watson's Aesterius delivered a commanding performance to win the Group Three Prix d’Arenberg at ParisLongchamp.

Purchased for £380,000 by the ambitious Wathnan Racing, the Mehmas colt justified his price tag with a decisive victory, leading from the start and finishing one and a half lengths clear.

Aesterius began his career with a smooth win at Bath before a close fifth in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. He then secured a Listed victory at Sandown and followed up with a strong second behind Big Mojo in the Molecomb at Goodwood. With this win, he adds a Group-class triumph to his record.

James Doyle kept Aesterius on the far rail from the beginning, fending off Aidan O’Brien’s Treasure Isle. The colt surged ahead two furlongs out and was never challenged, crossing the line comfortably in front.

Karl Burke’s Kaadi finished strongly to take second place, edging out Treasure Isle but unable to threaten the winner.

Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien found success in the Listed Darley Prix Joubert with Lily Hart, who produced a determined front-running effort to claim victory under Christophe Soumillon. The Galileo filly held off a strong challenge from Simon and Ed Crisford’s Fairy Glen to win by a short head, denying Doyle a quick double.

Ryan Moore, who had ridden Mother Nature to finish ahead of Lily Hart in the Give Thanks Stakes at the Curragh, chose to ride her again. However, Mother Nature could only manage a third-place finish in this outing.