Yesterday’s Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard – Jacques Le Marois at Deauville saw a thrilling battle for supremacy in the Group 1 race, which was eventually won by Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Wukair.
The three-year-old colt, ridden by Frankie Dettori, managed some acceleration to finish a short head in front of Inns of Court right on the finish line. Thunder Snow, who had led the race early on, finished a close third. The win was Al Wukair’s first in a Group 1, after finishing an excellent third in the 2,000 Guineas in Newmarket.
This was also Al Shaqab Racing’s first win in the race, after Olympic Glory’s second place in 2013, behind Moonlight Cloud. 
“I am happy that Al Wukair won. But I would have also been pleased if one of my other horses had won. Al Wukair could go to Ascot over 2,000m,” Al Wukair trainer André Fabre said. “I would like to say a word about Gregory Benoist. He had ridden the horse wonderfully in the past and I wish him a quick recovery.” 
Rupert Pritchard-Gordon, racing manager for Al Shaqab Racing in France, added: “It’s awesome. After a very good race in the Guineas, it is very nice to see him do this. The Prix Messidor was a return race and Frankie Dettori had respected the colt. For the past two weeks, his trainer was pleased with Al Wukair. 
The softer ground was not a problem. We could step him up in trip; the Champion Stakes have been mentioned. It will be interesting to see him over longer because he shows he will be better. On Sunday, he finds his action at the end.”