Spycatcher Triumphs Again at Deauville in Prix de Meautry Victory

Spycatcher rekindled his affinity for Deauville with a determined win in the Group Three Prix de Meautry, solidifying his reputation as a consistent performer on French soil. The six-year-old, trained by Karl Burke, returned to the track where he has previously enjoyed success, including a victory at the same level last summer and a near miss in the prestigious Prix Maurice de Gheest.

After a respectable sixth-place finish in last month’s Prix de Ris-Orangis, where he was only a length and a half behind the winner Shouldvebeenaring, Spycatcher took a brief break before coming back refreshed for this assignment. Under the guidance of jockey Clifford Lee, he engaged in a late duel with Clive Cox’s James’s Delight, ultimately prevailing by a neck.

Harry Herbert, representing owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, expressed his delight at seeing the veteran return to winning ways: “It’s absolutely fantastic. He’s an amazing old servant, and it’s just great to see him winning again. We’ve been waiting to get his ground all season, and Karl said he was in great form going into this race. The ground was unpredictable over the past few days, but it turned out right for him in the end. It’s very special to have him back winning Group races.”

Herbert revealed that retirement had been considered for Spycatcher, but a vet’s advice to give the horse more time paid off handsomely. “He loves racing in France, and Deauville seems to bring out the best in him,” he added. “The owners had a fantastic day out there, which is what it’s all about.”

Make Me King Dominates in Prix Quincey

Newmarket-based trainer Hamad Al Jehani celebrated his biggest victory since setting up his yard as Make Me King secured an emphatic win in the Group Three Prix Quincey. The four-year-old, who was formerly trained by Andre Fabre, proved his class by dominating the one-mile contest under jockey James Doyle.

Tracking the favorite, Topgear, for much of the race, Make Me King surged past with ease, eventually crossing the line two and a half lengths clear. The victory was a significant milestone for Al Jehani, who trains for the Qatari-owned Wathnan Racing.

Make Me King had previously shown promise with competitive efforts in England, including a win at Newcastle and solid runs at Ascot. The return to French soil clearly suited him, and this performance marks him as a rising force in Group company.

Quantanamera Stuns Arrest in Grand Prix de Deauville

In the Group Two Grand Prix de Deauville, former Derby favorite Arrest extended his winless streak this season, finishing second for the third consecutive time. The John and Thady Gosden-trained colt appeared to be in control under Kieran Shoemark after leading into the home straight, but the German filly Quantanamera produced a powerful late surge to sweep past and win by four lengths.

Trained by Andreas Suborics, Quantanamera was stepping up in trip to 2,500 meters for the first time, a move that proved crucial to her impressive victory. Suborics praised jockey Stephane Pasquier for executing the perfect race: “She was impressive. The step up in trip was the key to her victory, and she beat a good field, which bodes well for the future. We’re now targeting the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot in October.”

Arrest’s connections will be left to regroup after another near-miss, with hopes of rediscovering the form that once made him a hot prospect in this year’s Classics.