Muhaarar lands hat-trick in France

Muhaarar made it a hat-trick of Group One victories for the season when taking the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

Having already won the inaugural running of the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, he followed up with a last-gasp success in the July Cup at Newmarket, propelling himself to the position of champion sprinter-elect.

As a winner over seven furlongs earlier in the season, the specialist six-and-a-half-furlong trip in France was never likely to prove a problem and trainer Charlie Hills expected it to be the perfect distance.

And so it proved, as a furlong out Andre Fabre's Esoterique appeared to be travelling better on Paul Hanagan's inside.

However, like all good horses, Muhaarar dug deep and eventually ran out a convincing winner, meaning his only defeat to date this season came in the French Guineas over a mile.

Gordon Lord Byron yet again exceeded expectations by finishing a fine third.

Richard Hannon's Coulsty was not beaten far just behind the placed horses, but stablemate Ivawood was bumped into on several occasions, losing all chance.

David O'Meara's Watchable was in the firing line throughout, but faded in the final 100 yards.

Winning owner Sheikh Hamdan will always be associated with the great Dayjur when it comes to sprinters.

Asked if he could compare the two, he said: "This is a different type of horse and it's difficult to judge them.

"Without doubt Muhaarar is very good over six furlongs and I think at that distance it is hard to separate them, but at five furlongs Dayjur was the best.

"I think the Prix de la Foret might be a suitable race for him."

Hills said: "Sheikh Hamdan mentioned the Foret and that could be his next race, although we must also consider Haydock and there is Ascot as well. But later on I wouldn't mind a crack at the Breeders' Cup Mile.

"Reading in the papers today, it was very flattering to see this horse mentioned in the same breath as Dayjur, but there is no doubt he is very good indeed.

"I don't think there is any chance of him staying in training next year, Sheikh Hamdan has his principles and sticks with them and I am sure he will make a fantastic stallion."