Stormy River Stirs Up Quite A Current

Stormy River powered to victory in the Group Three Prix Fontainebleau at Longchamp to establish himself as a live contender for Classic honours.

The Nicolas Clement-trained colt produced a stunning burst of acceleration under Thierry Thulliez to beat outsider Light of Joy by four lengths, with Dream in Blue was third.

The son of Verglas had finished three lengths behind the Andre Fabre-trained Carlotamix in the Criterium International last season but the tables were turned emphatically here.

The previously unbeaten market leader was never able to get in a blow for Christophe Soumillon, while Aidan O'Brien's duo Aussie Rules and Ivan Denisovich never really featured and the former, under Kieren Fallon, was demoted from fourth to fifth after a stewards' inquiry.

Successful rider Thierry Thulliez was in no doubt as to the merit of his mount.

'He is one of the best milers I have ridden,' he beamed. 'He is a good and tough colt who was a late starter.'

Clement, whose Norwegian owners also owned the top mile-and-a-quarter horse Vespone a few years ago, was delighted.

'We didn't want to work him to death last season,' he explained. 'That was a spectacular performance by any standards. He is a very good colt.'

? PA Sport