Gabriel makes the most of Sulamani flop
Simon Crisford, Godolphin’s racing manager, said the plan was still to run last year’s French Derby winner in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at the end of July despite this disappointing effort.
Frankie Dettori had the Arc runner-up travelling in around sixth place, but despite a perfect position on the outside the ex-French four-year-old failed to conjure up his usual finishing burst.
There was further misery for the Godolphin camp after their pacemaker, Millstreet, who had run a superb race in third, was demoted to sixth after a stewards’ inquiry.
In contrast Ange Gabriel supporters never had a moment’s worry as Thierry Jarnet, landing his fourth Grand Prix, tracked Millstreet in second until surging clear inside the final furlong.
“This horse is like a good wine, he matures and improves with age,” said owner-breeder Henri Devin.
Ange Gabriel, who was adding this win to last December’s success in the Hong Kong Vase, was followed in by Polish Summer, with Loxias inheriting third from the relegated Millstreet.
