Talismanic returns with emphatic Deauville victory

Talismanic recorded an impressive success in the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron over 10 furlongs on turf at Deauville, France, on Wednesday, 15 August - his first start since the end of March.

The Andre Fabre-trained five-year-old was settled in fourth by Mickael Barzalona as Subway Dancer made the running.

The Medaglia d'Oro horse travelled very well into the straight, made smooth headway to go second before taking the lead with over a furlong and a half remaining and soon went clear. He was eased down for a two-length success over Subway Dancer. The winning time was 2m 09.72s on ground described at good to soft.

This was Talismanic’s first appearance since coming home ninth in the G1 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline over 10 furlongs on dirt at Meydan, UAE, on 31 March. He captured the 2017 G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf over 12 furlongs at Del Mar, USA in November.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin commented, “It was brilliant to see Talismanic win today. He is still as happy as ever to be racing.

“He came into today’s race off of a long break and is a horse who needs a bit of readying for his races. He is very laid back and has such a great temperament.

“Depending on how he comes out of today’s race, Mr Fabre is looking now at the Prix Foy (G2, 1m 4f, Longchamp, 16 September) followed by the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1, 1m 4f, Longchamp, 7 October).”