Whistlejacket held off the late challenge from Rashabar to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his fifth win in the Sumbe Prix Morny at Deauville.
A 2-1 favourite, Whistlejacket had previously won the July Stakes at Newmarket but was beaten by Babouche in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. He was aiming to follow in the footsteps of previous O’Brien victors such as Orpen (1998), Fasliyev (1999), Johannesburg (2001), and Blackbeard (2022) to secure Group One success in France.
Always prominent and benefiting from a rail position, Whistlejacket took the lead entering the final furlong and responded well to Ryan Moore’s commands. Rashabar, trained by Brian Meehan and a surprising 80-1 winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, mounted his challenge from the widest position under Sean Levey but couldn’t catch the winner. Whistlejacket crossed the line three-quarters of a length ahead.
Daylight finished best of the French runners in third, with Arabie taking fourth for Karl Burke. Burke’s previously unbeaten Norfolk Stakes winner, Shareholder, was disappointing, running keenly early and ultimately finishing last of nine.
O’Brien told Sky Sports Racing: “It was really John Magnier’s decision – he felt Whistlejacket could handle both the Heinz (Phoenix Stakes) and the Morny. He’s a very fast horse, a typical No Nay Never, and Ryan said he had all the tools needed.”