Venetian Sun Gives Jockey Clifford Lee First G1 Win

Quisisana puts paid to her rivals in Deauville's Prix Jean Romanet

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DEAUVILLE - English jockey Clifford Lee booted home his first Group 1 winner when the unbeaten filly Venetian Sun saluted in the €350,000 (S$525,000) Sumbe Prix Morny (1,200m) at Deauville's dual Group 1 meeting on Aug 24.

In 11 years of riding, Karl Burke's stable jockey had six Group 2 wins and 13 Group 3 wins, but had yet to tick the Group 1 box until his boss's quality two-year-old made it four-from-four in the French feature race for two-year-olds.

The daughter of Starman was the only filly in the field of six, but she dominated the boys at the wire.

Led by Coppull (David Probert), the field gradually shifted towards the centre of the track under his impetus, seeking the best ground.

But, after the Clive Cox-trained filly quickly gave way, it was the Wesley Ward-trained US colt Outfielder (David Egan) who attacked on the rails, only to reveal a lack of fitness to truly contend.

Victory ultimately came down to three runners - Wise Approach (William Buick), Venetian Sun and Gstaad (Ryan Moore) - away from the grandstand crowd, with Venetian Sun ($20) prevailing by a short neck from Gstaad.

Wise Approach ran third another ½ length away.

Raised in Kent, Lee, 29, who hails from a non-racing background, learned the basics at the racing school in Newmarket.

Until Aug 24, his ultimate goal had been a Group 1 victory.