All-the-way Bassett batters Lagardere field

Wootton Bassett made it five wins from as many starts with a brilliant all-the-way win in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp.

Ridden by title-chasing jockey Paul Hanagan, Richard Fahey’s youngster was quickly away in the seven-furlong contest and looked to be plenty keen enough in the early exchanges.

However, the Iffraaj colt quickened clear heading inside the final two furlongs and only had to be kept up to his work in the closing stages to score with plenty to spare.

It was a first Group One triumph for both trainer and jockey.

William Hill cut Wootton Bassett to 14-1 from 33-1 for next year's 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, while totesport offer 12-1 and Paddy Power are as big as 16s.

Hanagan said: “The race went perfectly to plan for us and really it’s all about enjoying the moment.

“I’ve waited such a long time for my first Group One and now it has happened.”

Fahey added: “We wanted to make plenty of use of him as we felt he would stay well.

“He’s the first proper Group horse I have had since Utmost Respect, and you would have to look down the Classic route now.

“I put him in the Irish Guineas a while ago and I will put him in the English and French Guineas as well.”