Morgan Le Faye third again in French G1

A flying finish from Morgan Le Faye saw the Godolphin filly take third and nearly snatch second in the G1 Prix Royal-Oak at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 28 October.

The four-year-old Shamardal filly, trained by Andre Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, was held up in second last of the eight-strong field for the 15-furlong race.

She moved up to fifth on the inside before half-way and had to wait for room on her outside before being switched out widest of all with a furlong and a half remaining.

She flew home to take third, beaten three quarters of a length and a short-neck by the winner Holdthasigreen, whose time was 3m18.17s on good to soft going, and runner-up Called To The Bar.

Morgan Le Faye finished a close third over two and a half miles in the G1 Prix du Cadran at Longchamp on 6 October.

The other Godolphin runner, the hitherto-unbeaten Brundtland (Charlie Appleby/William Buick), was nearly carried out by the leader Flag Of Honour when racing in second at a crossing after four furlongs.

The three-year-old Dubawi colt recovered to go second again and had every chance in the straight before being one-paced in the closing stages. Brundtland finished fourth, a short-neck behind Morgan Le Faye.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “Morgan Le Faye ran very well.

“She quickened nicely – she has a short burst of speed – and performed strongly again.

“We will see how she comes out of this race and then decide whether to keep in training for next year.”