Saint-Cloud prize next on the agenda for Al Nayyir Al Nayyir is set for a trip across the English Channel for the Prix Royal-Oak following his returning to winning ways in the Lonsdale Cup at York. The eight-year-old was a short head second to Vauban in the Knavesmire showpiece in 2024 and last year finished third behind Trawlerman. Having also filled the runner-up spot in the Yorkshire Cup earlier in the year, Al Nayyir made a triumphant return to the track at the Ebor Festival, recording his seventh career victory and first since landing a Group Three prize at Meydan in February. Trainer Tom Clover is planning a return to Dubai in the winter, but he will first head for the French St Leger on October 25 if conditions are deemed suitable. “Al Nayyir looks great, he’s really well in himself,” said the Newmarket handler. “We’re really happy with him and heading to the Prix Royal-Oak at Saint-Cloud, that will be the plan for him. “We’re hoping it’s not completely bottomless ground and he’s actually won at the track previously, before we got him. “After Saint-Cloud the plan would then be to go back to Dubai for the winter.”
