In the Coolmore St Mark's Basilica German 2000 Guineas, Devil's Point brought classic gold for David Menuisier and Silvestre De Sousa.
As a two-year-old, the chestnut came near in several Group events and finished second in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster after the season.
He started and finished third in the Prix Djebel at Deauville this year. Then, coming back up to a mile, he won the John Dunlop Conditions Stakes at Goodwood.
He arrived in Cologne with a genuine opportunity to win as one of three British-trained competitors, along with Jane Chapple-Hyam's Habrdi and Ed Walker's Ten Bob Tony. The Cologne foray was always planned.
Drawn widest of the field in stall 10, Ten Bob Tony was also prominent under Tom Marquand, and the colt broke strongly and was sent to make the running.
Devil's Point's endurance was put to the test on the home straight, but he persevered in the last furlong to hold off Penalty and Ghorgan, who were both finishing quickly ahead of Ten Bob Tony, who was in fourth place.
“It was a hard race, the draw wasn’t very favourable to us in 10,” Menuisier told Wettstar. “We didn’t want to suffer, we thought if the horse comes out of the stalls well then let’s let him stride on, get a breather and go again. Watching all the races today, they don’t come from behind very fast. We felt we had the best horse in the race, so we rode him like the best horse in the race.”
Of De Sousa’s ride, which was his first aboard the horse, Menuisier added: “He is one of the best and that’s why we asked him to come and ride the horse, he didn’t know the horse at all but he is pretty straightforward. Thanks to him for making the trip.”