Romanised strikes in the Prix Jacques le Marois

Romanised wins Prix Du Haras De Fresnay-Le- Buffard Jacques Le Marois at Deauville.Picture: Racingfotos.com

Romanised was a fluent winner of the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

Last year’s Irish 2000 Guineas winner had shown he was coming back to something like his best when he not beaten far in two QIPCO British Champions Series contests – the Al Shaqab Lockinge at Newbury and the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.

Dropped in class last time out for the Minstrel Stakes, he received the perfect confidence boost in that Group 2 at the Curragh to prepare him for this Group One assignment.

Settled beautifully for Billy Lee as Vocal Music and Condon’s Success Days put the pace to the mile showpiece, Romanised always looked to be going best.

Coronation Stakes winner Watch Me was behind Romanised for most of the wayn but failed to pick up as Lee drew alongside Shaman before quickening in style to win well.

Charlie Appleby’s Line Of Duty flew late to grab third, narrowly behind Shaman.

Condon said: “I’m over the moon, I was delighted with him. There’s nothing like winning a Classic, but I’ve been watching racing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper and I’ve been very much aware of the history and prestige of this race.

“To get his name on the roll of honour means an awful lot. It also had added significance to me as I worked at Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard (sponsors) for a yearling season many years ago and I know some of the guys there, so we’re thrilled.

“He was very impressive and it was great to see. I’d say that might be a career-best.”