Spycatcher rekindled his successful relationship with Deauville, securing a win in the Group Three Prix de Meautry.
Karl Burke’s six-year-old had previously triumphed at this level at the same track last summer and narrowly missed out in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. After a narrow defeat in his attempt to defend his Prix de Ris-Orangis title earlier this month, where he finished sixth, just a length and a half behind Shouldvebeenaring, Spycatcher had a short break to regain his form.
In his return, Spycatcher engaged in a thrilling late battle with James’s Delight, trained by Clive Cox, ultimately prevailing by a neck under Clifford Lee.
Harry Herbert of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing said, “It’s absolutely fantastic to see him winning again. He’s been an amazing horse for us. We’ve been waiting for the right ground all season, and Karl said he was in great form going into this race.”
In other news, Make Me King delivered a significant win for new trainer Hamad Al Jehani of Wathnan Racing, clinching the Prix Quincey with a commanding performance. The four-year-old, who joined Al Jehani stable after showing promise with Andre Fabre, made a strong return to form, following a victory at Newcastle and respectable runs in valuable Ascot handicaps.
James Doyle, tracking the favourite Topgear, saw Make Me King surge ahead to win by two and a half lengths over a mile.
Meanwhile, former Derby favourite Arrest continued his winless season, finishing second for the third consecutive time in the Group Two Grand Prix de Deauville. John and Thady Gosden’s charge had previously been a beaten runner-up in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket.
He was heavily supported to prevail in France and seemed to be in control when taking the lead. However, the German raider Quantanamera, making a strong late charge, overtook him to win by four lengths.
Trainer Andreas Suborics praised Quantanamera’s performance, noting, “She was impressive, especially on this track and with the ideal ground conditions. The step-up in trip from 2,000m to 2,500m was crucial for her victory. Stephane Pasquier rode a perfect race. Beating such a strong field is promising for the future. We’ll head to Ascot for the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes on October 19.”