Secret State runner-up in G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes

Secret State closed strongly from the rear to finish second in the G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, UK, on Wednesday, 17 August.

The Dubawi colt was making his Pattern-race debut for Charlie Appleby on the back of four straight wins, including handicap successes at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.

After breaking half a stride slow, Secret State was held up at the rear of the six runners in the 12-furlong contest, with stable-mate Walk Of Stars stalking Aikhal in second.

Secret State was angled out by William Buick with half a mile to race and stayed on to go fifth shortly after as Walk Of Stars pressed for the lead.

Walk Of Stars started to fade when El Bodegon and Deauville Legend went on passing the two-furlong pole, with Secret State moving up to third over a furlong out.

Secret State continued to make good headway and collared El Bodegon inside the final half-furlong but could not challenge Deauville Legend, who galloped out well to prevail by nearly three lengths.

Charlie Appleby said: “It was another solid effort from Secret State on his first start in a Group race. He is entered in the St Leger, for which we have another strong contender in New London. We will see how the race develops over the coming weeks before deciding whether to run both at Doncaster.”