12 July 2020
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday, July 12, 2020, Deauville. - Major players in European sprints, horses trained in Great Britain were back in force in the €56,000 Qatar Prix de Ris-Orangis (Gr3), a 6-furlong race that had remained French since 2006 but that was all but lost to Britain this time the first three home came from Britain.
Another Godolphin raider, Royal Crusade (Shamardal) won very easily despite a sluggish start. Charlie Appleby’s trainee gradually made it up and was able to find his way about 300 yards from home. He fought against Dubai Station (Brazen Beau) in the middle of the course and finally got the best of him, eventually winning by a good length over Glen Shiel (Pivotal), who used to be trained for Godolphin and finished well, Dubai Station and the French-trained Batwan (Kendargent).
The well-fancied Alocasia (Kingman) could not accelerate in the final stages and finished 5th. Tour to Paris (Fuissé) faded after leading.
Twice Group-placed last year over 7 furlongs, Royal Crusade had just made a good comeback over 6 furlongs when 6th in the Commonwealth Cup (Gr1). He's out of Zibelina (Dansili), a winner of the Lieurey (Gr3) over one mile at Deauville. His third dam Talented (Bustino) won the Sun Chariot Stakes (Gr2).