Royer-Dupre sets Man in motion

ALAIN de Royer-Dupre secured his sixth victory in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly yesterday as Reliable Man took the glory in the hands of Gerald Mosse.

The grey looked to have plenty to do off the back of a conditions race win over course and distance a month ago but was well up to the task, emulating Royer-Dupre’s previous scorers Darshaan (1984), Mouktar (1985), Natroun (1987), Dalakhani (2003) and Darsi (2006).

Aidan O’Brien saddled Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Roderic O’Connor, while Godolphin’s Casamento and Colombian from the John Gosden yard represented the British hopes in the 10-furlong Classic.

Frankie Dettori soon had Casamento at the head of affairs, with Roderic O’Connor not far away in the hands of Ryan Moore, but both faded in the straight.

Reliable Man was ridden more conservatively by Gerald Mosse but quickened well once straightened up for home, finishing strongly down the outside of rivals to claim Bubble Chic, prevailing by three-quarters of a length.

The strongly-fancied Baraan ran an incredible race to get up for third after a slow start and having been completely tailed off at one stage.

Gosden’s Chester maiden winner Colombian, ridden by William Buick, put in a tremendous effort to be fourth, just edging French Guineas hero Tin Man.

Royer-Dupre said of the winner: “He is a great horse. His best quality is that he has a very good turn of foot.”