Tuesday 25 June 2002
He also became the fifth individual Group I winner for his sire Kahyasi, who is based at the Aga Khan Studs’ Haras de Bonneval in France.
An unlucky ninth in the Prix du Jockey-Club, Khalkevi was bowling along towards the rear of the field when the pace abruptly slowed down in the last bend, causing Khalkevi to clip heels with the horse in front of him. He pecked dangerously and just missed falling before recovering only to find himself in last place as they entered the straight. Showing an astonishing turn of foot, he made up lost ground to clinch victory in the dying strides of this esteemed ten furlong event.
His jockey, Christophe Soumillon, commented after the race: “When we came to make our move on the outside, Khalkevi showed a formidable turn of foot. His superb acceleration allowed him to catch up and beat Shaanmer on the line, thus showing that he is a true Group I horse.” While trainer, Alain de Royer Dupre added: “He nearly fell today, but he was helped by the fastish ground and a true run race.”
Khalkevi is now being prepared for either the Group 1 Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park on 17th August or the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York on 20th August.
