Mishriff bags first French Derby for Gosden

PA Sport Reporters
July 5, 2020 3:30 pm

Improving colt shows smart turn of foot at Chantilly.

British raider Mishriff provided trainer John Gosden with his first victory in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

An impressive winner of the Listed Newmarket Stakes on his latest appearance, the son of Make Believe was a 7-1 shot as he stepped up to Group One level for the French Derby in the hands of Ioritz Mendizabal.

Settled on the heels of the leaders for much of the 10-furlong journey, Mishriff travelled strongly into the home straight before displaying a smart change of gear to grab the lead and run out a convincing winner.

Mishriff wins the Prix du Jockey Club for John Gosden at @fgchantilly! pic.twitter.com/AW6BnN7KzR
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 5, 2020

The Summit (25-1) just held on for second ahead of 13-8 favourite Victor Ludorum. The latter was bidding to complete a Classic double following victory in the French 2000 Guineas at Deauville, but was slowly away from his unfavourable inside draw and got rolling all too late.

There was a brief wait as the stewards inquired into possible interference, but it was quickly announced that the result would stand.

Mishriff’s delighted connections may consider a return to France in the autumn for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Ted Voute, racing manager to owner Prince Faisal, said: “I watched the race on on Sky Sports and Equidia – it was very exciting.

“I actually thought he was in a bit of trouble at one stage. It’s probably not his ideal ground, but he really picked up once he got into a good position.

#DianeJockeyAtHome @FgChantilly – Prix du #JockeyClub(Mâles de 3 ans – Groupe I – 2100m)
🥇 Mishriff (I. Mendizabal)🥈 The Summit (V. Cheminaud)🥉 Victor Ludorum (M. Barzalona) pic.twitter.com/uePjFy4MOy
— France Galop (@francegalop) July 5, 2020

“He has improved a lot from two to three – funnily enough, so did Make Believe. It’s obviously fantastic for the Prince that Make Believe has now sired a Classic winner for him.”

As for future plans, he added: “I think in a normal year you’d be looking at something like the Eclipse, but obviously we can’t do that.

“He ran in Saudi Arabia on February 29, so he’s been on the go for a while – and maybe we should give him a break before bringing him back for something in the autumn.

“The way he finished there today, it looks like a mile and a half wouldn’t be a problem, so that (Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe) could be an option.”