Jacques Le Marois Runner-Up To Territories

Territories ran well to finish second in the Group One Prix du Haras Fresney-le-Buffard - Jacques le Marois over the straight mile at Deauville, France, on Sunday, August 16.

The three-year-old Invincible Spirit colt, trained by Andre Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, was held up in seventh of the nine runners as another Godolphin contender, Toormore, made the running down the centre of the course.

Toormore, from Richard Hannon's stable and partnered by James Doyle, was challenged from well over two furlongs out and drifted left before being headed.

Territories was switched out and came through strongly to go second by the distance. He kept on well but could not get to grips with the winner Esoterique who succeeded by a length and half in 1m 36.12s on turf officially described as very soft.

Toormore rallied but could find no more in the final furlong and finished fifth, while the third Godolphin runner, Belardo (Roger Varian/William Buick), raced in second and then third before dropping out to come home seventh.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin commented: "With Territories fit and ready to go, the the trainer was happy for him to run.

"Territories has performed well but got a bit tired in the ground.

"There are lots of options for him in the autumn including the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Group One, 1m, Longchamp, September 13)."