Monday 30 June 2008
YOUMZAIN won the Gr 1 Preis von Europa in September 2006 and since then has come agonizingly close in Europe’s highest quality contests, finishing 2nd behind Dylan Thomas in the King George Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last season. The ultra-consistent five-year-old finished fastest of all to take runner-up spot again in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in early June but was just held by Irish Derby winner Soldier of Fortune.
YOUMZAIN was rewarded for his courage and regularity with victory in a particularly classy renewal of the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud which featured five Group 1 winners and a dual Group 2 scorer.
The winning time of 2’28”20/100 is the best since 1996, and the performance is made more remarkable given the good to soft ground and the ease with which YOUMZAIN brushed off the attack of Soldier of Fortune. Double Group 1 winner Doctor Dino took third place.
A delighted Mick Channon commented, “He deserves this win. The strong pace suited him and he’ll now go for the King George at Ascot and the Arc is also on the agenda.”
The constantly-improving YOUMZAIN will aim to repeat the glorious exploits of his exceptional sire on the first Sunday of October. SINNDAR won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as well as the Epsom and Irish Derbies, in 2000.
SINNDAR is also the sire of dual Gr 1 winning champion SHAWANDA. The Haras de Bonneval-based stallion will be represented by 11 yearlings at Deauville’s August sale.
updated on 30/06/08
