Ghaiyyath returns in style at Longchamp

Ghaiyyath made a perfect return to action with a dominant victory in the G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange over a mile and a quarter at Longchamp, France, on Saturday, 22 September.

The Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old colt, off the course since capturing the G3 Masar Godolphin Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October, broke well and soon raced in a clear second behind stable-companion Stage Magic (Mickael Barzalona).

Ghaiyyath cruised up under William Buick two furlongs from home and readily went clear of his six rivals soon afterwards. 

The son of Dubawi wandered around inside the final furlong but reasserted his advantage in the closing stages, galloping out strongly to score by three lengths over Sacred Life in 2m 8.71s on good to soft ground.

Alex Merriam of Godolphin said: “We were very, very happy with Ghaiyyath.

“William said that they have gone a nice gallop, Ghaiyyath has settled very nicely and has done everything that was asked of him.

“It was a pleasing start to his season and we will discuss with Charlie and the team about where to go next.”