Godolphin all set for flat racing's biggest event

The first weekend of June launched a high-stakes two weeks for UAE-linked stables across Europe and the UK with Godolphin’s Cualificar setting the stage after a valiant run in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly on Sunday.

- Leslie Wilson Jr [e-mail]

Trained by the legendary André Fabre, the son of Lope de Vega, came within striking distance of Classic Glory, only to be edged out by Camille Pissarro in the closing strides of the 1m2½f contest.

Ridden with tactical precision by Godolphin’s retained jockey William Buick, Cualificar raced prominently in third before mounting a determined challenge in the straight, eventually finishing just half a length behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained winner, Camille Pissarro.

"Cualificar put up a very solid effort," said Buick. " I thought we ended up in a nice position and he did everything that I asked of him. The winner is a good horse, but I think that Cualificar will possibly get a bit further. He may get an Arc prep now and he doesn’t lack for quality. It was a very good run."