Wet spell hits Chantilly

Wet weather has hit Chantilly this week with the ground currently testing ahead of Sunday’s Prix du Jockey Club.

A release from the French governing body France Galop read: “A violent storm hit the area on Tuesday night with 21 millimetres of precipitation measured the following morning at the racecourse, (at) which ground is rated as very soft.

“Light showers are also expected on Wednesday and Thursday but the weather should be fine the next three days.

“As the wind blows on Chantilly while the temperature rises regularly at the moment, the Jockey Club course should be good to soft on Sunday.”

There were no surprises at the latest forfeit stage on Wednesday with Paul Cole’s Moynahan – due to run at Sandown on Thursday instead – and the Brian Meehan-trained City Leader the only horses withdrawn.

A safety limit of 20 will be imposed on the race and if there are no more defectors then Rock Fellow, Beret Rouge and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Sligo will be eliminated as the lowest-rated then two more from Chinchon, Mayweather, Montmartre and Zack Dream.