Persian King second in G1 Prix du Jockey Club

G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains victor Persian King ran well to finish second in another French Classic, the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, over an extended 10 furlongs at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 2 June.

The three-year-old Kingman colt raced a bit freely after emerging from an outside stall (14) among the 15 runners and was held up by Pierre-Charles Boudot in mid-division as a good pace was set up front.

The Andre Fabre-trained Persian King made smooth progress after turning into the straight to go second two furlongs out.

He ran on well and led after another half-furlong, but was headed by the winner Sottsass inside the final furlong.

Persian King kept on to the line, going down by two lengths, and finished two lengths ahead of the third Motamarris, with the rest of the runners spread out. The winning time of 2m 2.90s, a new course record, came on ground officially described as good.

The other Godolphin runner, Roman Candle, with Mickael Barzalona up, raced towards the rear on the inside, but stayed on to be fifth, another three and a quarter lengths behind Persian King.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin commented: “Persian King ran a super race and was beaten by a colt with a better turn of foot.

“It is a hot afternoon and Persian King raced on the wide outside. Pierre-Charles thought Persian King saw out the trip, running on well to the line.

“So it was probably not a lack of stamina which led to defeat, but given Persian King’s wonderful record over shorter distances, it is not inconceivable that he will return to a mile.

“Andre will make that decision after seeing how Persian King comes out this race.

“Roman Candle ran very well. He was a bit caught for speed, but then ran on in the closing stages.

“His next race could be the Grand Prix de Paris (G1, 12 furlongs, July 14, Longchamp).”