Blockley delight at Zafisio win

Zafisio gave underfire trainer Paul Blockley his first Group One success when landing the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud today.

Blockley, who was warned off for two and a half years last month after the latest British Horseracing Authority investigation into alleged corruption, was understandably delighted at the result.

"It's absolutely fantastic," said Blockley.

"I deserve a bit of luck for all the other stuff I've been having. This is my first Group One.

"I always thought he was a good horse. The ground was slightly against him at Longchamp last time but he also got murdered.

"He got trouble in running that day, Darryll (Holland) had to stand up on him.

"He seems a nice horse and hopefully he'll go a long way."

The Efisio colt was among plenty in with a chance with two furlongs to run before forging ahead under Dominique Boeuf.

Another British challenger, Andrew Balding's Prince Siegfried, put in a determined bid but was held by a head.

Blockley and Dean McKeown, who was given a four-year ban, are expected to receive the written reasons for their suspensions from the BHA next week. They then have seven days to appeal.

The pair, along with seven others, were charged in connection with the laying of horses to lose in 11 races that took place between March 2004 and December 2005.