Wings Takes Deauville Glory

Maroussies Wings landed a first Group Three success when lifting the Prix Minerve at a rain-hit Deauville.

Patrick Haslam's filly, who finished third in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last time, was one of nine to go to post in the extended mile-and-a-half event.

The Shadwell-sponsored heat was delayed by some 20 minutes though as a storm hit the track just before the off.

However, once the race got underway, Olivier Peslier settled just behind the pace aboard the In The Wings filly before swinging out to the middle of the track in search of better ground in the straight.

Maroussies Wings stayed on well in front to repel the challenge of Mary Louhana by about half a length with Ponte Tresa back in third.

A delighted Haslam said: 'We are very pleased ? she's been running well all year and she put up another very genuine performance.

'She's got a super temperament and Olivier gave her a great ride.

'I spoke to Kevin Darley last night and he gave me Olivier's instructions and he rode her absolutely perfectly.

'She's in the Yorkshire Oaks next week but we are just toying with that because she doesn't mind very soft going.

'We are just keeping an eye on that as there is a little bit of rain about and if it came up very soft we might think about it.'

(C) PA Sport