Cecil strikes Deauville gold

Henry Cecil landed his first Group success for four years when Multidimensional won the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville.

Cecil’s last Pattern-race success came when Burning Sun won the Prix Eugene Adam at Maisons-Laffitte in July 2002 but the Warren Place handler was back in the winner’s enclosure at the French track.

The Group Two event over 10 furlongs had attracted just six runners but Christophe Lemaire enjoyed a good run aboard the son of Danehill before coming home with three-quarters of a length to spare from Boris De Deauville.

Multidimensional had disappointed when finishing last in a Goodwood Listed event on his previous start and Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners the Niarchos family, was pleased to see him bounce back.

“We are absolutely delighted with him as he has proved his run at Goodwood to be all wrong,” said Cooper.

“It was a bit of an experiment with him today over 10 furlongs for the first time but he did it well, he quickened up in great style.

“There was a really heavy storm before the race and we didn’t know how he was going to adapt to that, especially over the new distance.

“He showed great potential on his first two runs so it’s nice to see he is still on the upgrade.

“I didn’t realise it was so long since Henry’s last Group win so it’s nice for him to get one again.

“Henry trained the dam (Sacred Song) for us and she was a very good mare. Multidimensional is her first foal so it’s very pleasing.

“I haven’t spoken to Henry yet regarding a target, he won very well over 10 furlongs today but as he has had quite a bit of racing this month, he may have a short break.

“The Champion Stakes at Newmarket is an obvious target though.

“We’ll see how he comes out of this first but he should make a lovely horse for next year.”