Cecil lands first Group One race for six years with Passage Of Time
The Khalid Abdullah-owned filly was supplemented by connections and rewarded their faith in grand style with a rousing success.
Passage Of Time accelerated clear of runner-up Soldier Of Time, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Kieren Fallon, in the 10-furlong contest.
She kept on strongly to hold her nearest rival by three-quarters of a length under Richard Hughes.
Mark Johnston’s Empire Day was a further three lengths in arrears of the Dansili filly.
Cecil, whose Beat Hollow was his last Group One triumph in the Grand Prix de Paris in 2000, said: “This is lovely. I’m very pleased for the Prince (Abdullah) as it should ensure he’s leading owner in France.
“It’s lovely for us after a quiet time in the last few years. It’s nice to see the stable coming back.
“She’s obviously good, and has class. She should make into a lovely three-year-old and she’ll be the one who tells us whether we go for the Oaks or the Prix de Diane next season.”
