Venus third in Nassau Stakes

Venus De Milo finished third behind Sultanina over a trip that looked on the sharp side for her in the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Joseph O'Brien attempted to lead all the way on his father Aidan's filly in the 10-furlong contest and had Lustrous for company after half a mile, but they were swallowed up by French challenger Narniyn a quarter of a mile out.

William Buick pounced late on the John Gosden-trained 11-2 chance Sultanina, who led inside the last 100 yards to claim the Group One honours by a length and a half, with Venus De Milo a further three lengths away.

Sultanina was stepping down in trip after losing her 100 per cent record in the Lancashire Oaks last time, when second to stablemate Pomology, and displayed a useful turn of foot.

Buick said: "I'm absolutely delighted for everyone - it's fantastic. This filly has really stepped up to the plate. It was only the fourth run of her life, so it was a good training performance. We've always held her in high regard, but no-one as high as her owner."

The Nassau is a race Gosden has dominated recently, winning with The Fugue in 2012 and Winsili last year.

The trainer said: "It's lovely. The Aga Khan's filly (Narniyn) is a really good filly to come over and is a tough nut to break. The last furlong and a half was a right duel between the pair.

"This filly is very classy and Philippa (Cooper, of owner-breeders Normandie Stud) bred her down the road, just 11 miles from here, and she always told me this filly was the best and I could never work it out.

"I didn't run her until this year as a four-year-old. She's gone and won a maiden, a Group Three, second in a Group Two and now won a Group One, so it's unbelievable.

"We're going to enter her on Tuesday in the fillies' and mares' race on Qipco Champions Day in October. I might just freshen her for that and go straight there and bring a fresh filly for the autumn."

Venus De Milo is now likely to head to York later this month.

O'Brien snr said: "It was a solid run but she'd prefer going further and she was a little bit at sea on the track as well. She wants to be racing, so I'd say she will go for the Yorkshire Oaks. York will suit her better."