International flavour to Royal Meeting

by Nick Luck , 15 June 2009

Royal Ascot is the highlight of the week, running from Tuesday to Saturday, and in many respects Tuesday is probably the most interesting day of all.

Certainly from an international standpoint - Ascot have been trying really hard over the last few years to enhance their global profile and they have done it - not only are we seeing the star Australian sprinter Scenic Blast in the King's Stand Stakes but also we see the reappearance of the Godolphin horse Gladiatorus, who was so emphatic when winning in Dubai during the winter.

To see those two really give Ascot a shot in the arm that it requires to kick off the meeting in fine style. But, all week it is tremendous racing, five days of great sport.

==

If you have been following French racing this season then Sunday's Prix de Diane went as planned. One man has dominated French racing and he is Jean-Claude Rouget.

Everytime he comes to Paris he comes and wins at Group One race. He has now won three of the four Classics that have been run in France this year and that includes a one-two in the Prix de Diane.

Christophe Lemaire barely had to exert himself on Stacelita to get on top off a strong pace. She quickened up smartly and is one of the best three-year-olds in Europe on this evidence.

It was a top-class performance and the trainer is completely on the other side of the English Channel this season.


Setanta Sports broadcasts exclusively live coverage of the best premium sport including England home internationals and away 2010 World Cup qualifiers, the FA Cup, Magners League rugby, IPL Twenty20 Cricket, the best boxing from both sides of the Atlantic and US PGA Tour Golf.

Edit Web Part Contents