Lazzat continued his unbeaten streak with a dazzling performance in the ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville. Having won his previous five races since starting his career in January, the Territories gelding secured a narrow victory over Jean-Claude Rouget’s Havana Cigar in Group Three before stepping up to Group One level for the first time.
Early in the race, Kieran Cotter’s Matilda Picotte set the pace, with Lazzat among the leading contenders alongside Rouget’s Prix Jean Prat winner, Puchkine. Jane Chapple-Hyam’s July Cup winner Mill Stream, representing British hopes, was also well-placed. However, once jockey Antonio Orani urged Lazzat to accelerate, no rival could match his speed.
The three-year-old triumphed with ease, finishing ahead of Carlos and Yann Lerner’s Exxtra in second and Yann Barberot’s Beauvatier in third. Andrew Balding’s Flora Of Bermuda was the top British-trained horse in fourth, with Mill Stream finishing fifth.
Trainer Reynier described Lazzat's performance as “amazing,” highlighting that for an unbeaten horse to step up to Group One and win in such style was “unbelievable.” He noted that Lazzat was both physically and mentally strong, which instilled great confidence in the team.
Reynier compared Lazzat to Facteur Cheval, emphasising that, like Facteur Cheval, Lazzat never disappoints. He expressed excitement about Lazzat’s future, noting that as a gelding, he could continue racing for many years if he remains healthy.
He also drew comparisons with Marianafoot, who won seven races consecutively and claimed the Maurice de Gheest for his eighth. Reynier praised Lazzat’s versatility, remarking that he performs well on any ground and in any type of course, ticking many boxes.
British racing fans missed the chance to see Lazzat at the Qatar Goodwood Festival as he focused on this sprinting prize instead. The Nurlan Bizakov-owned gelding might be aimed at the prestigious Golden Eagle in Australia this autumn.
Reynier informed Sky Sports Racing that they are eager to see Lazzat race again and are strategically spacing out his races to target the right events. Although Lazzat was entered in the Lennox and Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, the owner chose to concentrate on the current race.
He added that Lazzat had performed well over seven furlongs at Longchamp and was entered in the Prix de la Foret. Reynier acknowledged that the Golden Eagle’s prize money is tempting and expressed a desire to take Lazzat to Australia, provided the logistics and quarantine arrangements are manageable. He described Lazzat as a top horse and a pure champion.