Menuisier Eyes Glory with Sunway, Tamfana, and Caius Chorister
David Menuisier is set to unleash his top horses—Sunway, Tamfana, and Caius Chorister—across a key weekend on both sides of the Channel, as he seeks to secure one of the season’s major prizes.
The Sussex-based trainer has come close in several of the year’s biggest races, but has yet to claim a major title with what is arguably his strongest team to date. Despite these near-misses, Menuisier is optimistic that this weekend could finally bring a breakthrough at the highest level.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Menuisier said: "It’s been a fantastic year, and we’ve been competitive at Group One level throughout. It’s been magical, but scoring a Group One win would make it exceptional."
Leading Menuisier’s lineup is the star colt Sunway, who will take his place in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Though considered a long shot for Europe’s premier race, Sunway earned his spot with strong performances this season, including a close second in the Irish Derby and a fourth-place finish in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Most recently, he finished third in the St Leger.
"He came out of the St Leger really well and ran his heart out again," Menuisier continued. "He’s ready for the Arc and with the ground likely to be slow, and a strong pace expected, I believe he has all the ingredients to run a very good race. He’s knocked on the door all season, and this is the logical race for him."
Caius Chorister, owned by Clive Washbourn, will also chase Group One glory in the Prix de Royallieu on Saturday—a race Menuisier won in 2020 with Wonderful Tonight. Meanwhile, closer to home, Tamfana will look to follow up her Atalanta Stakes win by staying at a mile for the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.
Tamfana, who finished fourth in the 1000 Guineas earlier in the season, will be aiming to secure the Group One victory that Menuisier feels she deserves.
"The filly’s prep in the Atalanta was great, and she’s in fantastic shape," he said. "I blame myself for her not having a Group One win yet, but we’re aiming to correct that. She’ll stay further in time, but for now, staying at a mile makes sense. She remains in training next year, and it will be exciting to see her progress."