Deauville disappointment for Dawn Approach as Moonlight dances in the limelight

Moonlight Cloud proved too strong for her British rivals to win the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

The Freddy Head-trained mare, who finished second to Black Caviar in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2012, held on narrowly to victory from a tenacious run by Richard Hannon’s Olympic Glory in a tight photo-finish. The five-year-old daughter of Invincible Spirit created history in the process, becoming the first horse to win Deauville’s twin Group One highlights in the same year – just seven days after her record-breaking third triumph in the Prix Maurice de Gheest.

QIPCO 2,000 Guineas star Dawn Approach, who was running 11 days after his Duel on the Downs clash, was a disappointing fifth following an uncharacteristically lethargic display. 

Connections have said that he will now be given a well-earned rest before taking on Toronado again to regain his crown in their decider rematch on British Champions Day in the QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Another who is now set for the British Flat season finale on October 19^th is Intello. The Andre Fabre-trained three-year-old finished a respectable third, but the exciting colt will be upped back to his optimum distance of 10f in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.

Queen Anne winner, Declaration of War, ran on well to take fourth, but never challenged for the lead, while Falmouth Stakes heroine Elusive Kate finished a lacklustre seventh.