Wonderful Tonight just that in Hardwicke Stakes

First Royal Ascot winner for David Menuisier – and all the big races on the agenda for brilliant filly.

Wonderful Tonight returned to action better than ever with a resounding success in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Having ended the season with two Group One wins, including at Ascot on Champions Day, trainer David Menuisier has repeatedly stated her main target this year is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.

He had also warned she may be keen in the early stages first time out – which she was – and that she would come on for the run. Given how she won that seems ominous for her future rivals.

Wonderful Tonight in full flow
Wonderful Tonight in full flow (David Davies/PA)

Having taken a lead into the straight, when William Buick pressed the button Wonderful Tonight (5-1) sprinted clear, leaving some top-class horses in her wake to give Menuisier the first winner of his career at the Royal meeting.

Aidan O’Brien’s Broome came from out of the pack to chase her down but while he was closing close home, the filly still had a length and a half in hand crossing the line. Hukum, who travelled smoothly throughout, was third.

Coral gave the winner a 14-1 quote for the Arc.

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