Darsi gives Soumillon birthday to remember
Anabaa Blue in 2001 and Dalakhani two years later had provided the 25-year-old rider with previous triumphs in the Paris showpiece and he completed the hat-trick aboard the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained 14-1 chance.
The success was handsome compensation for Soumillon and the colt’s owner, His Highness the Aga Khan, after Visindar failed to live up to his star billing at Epsom on Saturday, finishing only fifth in the Vodafone Derby after being sent off the 2-1 favourite.
Darsi was unleashed by Soumillon in the closing stages and the colt stuck to his guns to beat Best Name and Arras in the extended 10-furlong contest.
Arras, who is handled by Visindar’s trainer Andre Fabre, took up the running two furlongs out and pulled clear only to tire in the final furlong and he only held on to third in a photograph.
Frankie Dettori did best of the British finishing not far behind aboard Dee Stakes winner Art Deco for Charles Egerton, although Jamie Spencer never really got the gaps on 2000 Guineas third Olympian Odyssey.
Mick Channon’s Hazeymm also failed to make the frame, while Aidan O’Brien, who suffered heartache at Epsom with the death of Horatio Nelson, was out of luck with French 2000 Guineas winner Aussie Rules and Hurricane Cat also not troubling the judge.
The Aga Khan said: “We weren’t sure whether this horse would have enough speed to drop back in trip but he is from a very high-class family and I am delighted.
“Provided he comes out of this race well there is a chance he will go for either the Irish Derby or the Grand Prix de Paris.”
He added that Visindar was “less than 50%” likely to the Curragh on July 2.
Egerton was pleased with fourth-placed Art Deco, and said: “Frankie felt he was lacking a little in experience on ground as quick as this but I am still delighted with him. I think he will be better at a mile and a half and we will consider the Irish Derby depending on how he comes out of the race.”
