Clonard makes French connection

Trainer Tony Martin and owner JP McManus are set to break new ground in France today as Clonard Street goes for Group One glory in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud.

The Archipenko colt earned his place in the field by chasing home Ol’ Man River in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh in late September, having previously won well on his debut at Galway.

Martin said: “I don’t think I’ve had a runner in a Group One race on the Flat before. I try and run them where I think they’re capable of running – whether that’s a point-to-point or a selling hurdle, or whatever. I think this horse is entitled to be there, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”