After securing his first Group race victory in the Prix de Ris-Orangis on Sunday, Shouldvebeenaring has a return to Deauville marked in his diary. The Havana Grey colt has been a strong contender in pattern events, narrowly missing out on wins in races such as the Sandy Lane, Sprint Cup, Prix de la Foret, and Duke of York Stakes.
Despite earning close to £500,000 in prize money, Shouldvebeenaring had not won a race since the Listed King Charles II Stakes in May 2023. However, his luck changed at Deauville, where he triumphed in the Group Three Prix de Ris-Orangis for trainer Richard Hannon and Middleham Park Racing.
Under the guidance of jockey Sean Levey, Shouldvebeenaring crossed the finish line first, beating James Tate’s Electric Storm by a short neck. With this victory, the grey colt is now eyeing Group One opportunities, with plans to compete in the Prix Maurice de Gheest before aiming for success in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.
Middleham Park's Tim Palin expressed relief at the win, highlighting the colt's unlucky run in previous Group races. Plans are already in place for Shouldvebeenaring to start a new career as a stallion at the Irish National Stud once his racing days are over.
Palin added, "There’s a little bit of unfinished business for us to be focusing on between now and then!"