Sunday saw one of the most anticipated juvenile sprint contests of the season take place at the Normandy track of Deauville. Featuring the winners of the Albany Stakes, Coventry Stakes, Richmond Stakes, the Norfolk Stakes runner-up, and a highly touted US youngster, the Prix Morny looked like the best two-year-old event of the season on paper. Once underway, the stellar cast served up a thriller.
Venetian Sun Extends Unbeaten Run to Four
Hailing from the yard of five-time Prix Morny winner Aidan O’Brien, and an excellent winner of the Coventry Stakes, Gstaad headed the betting on the day. However, in the end, he and the other four colts in the lineup were no match for Karl Burke’s flying filly, Venetian Sun.
In a strong race for the British and Irish runners, the Clive Cox-trained Coppull was the first to launch his challenge, with David Probert’s mount hitting the front two furlongs from home. However, he was immediately overhauled on both sides. Venetian Sun and Wise Approach hit the front towards the far side as Gstaad surged past Outfielder on the stands’ side. Deep inside the final furlong, Venetian Sun mastered Wise Approach and held off the late thrust of Gstaad to score by a short neck.
With this latest success, the rising star extended her record to four wins from as many outings. Announcing herself to the world with an easy Novice success at Carlisle, she followed up in grand style to claim the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot. Sent off at odds of just 2/5 for the Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes on the back of that effort, she didn’t impress everyone with a narrow verdict over the fast-finishing Royal Fixation. However, having now conquered the colts in such a prestigious Group 1, there is no doubt that Burke has a serious talent on his hands.
Huge Result for Trainer and Jockey
Thanks to the exploits of six-time Group 1 winner Laurens, and Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Fallen Angel, who claimed the Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville earlier in August, Burke is no stranger to a star filly. The Coverham-based handler was understandably delighted in the aftermath of the Prix Morny, stating: “She’s a very special filly and I’m just delighted it all worked out. It’s very emotional. The fillies who win this race are generally very good, and she’s very, very good.”
For jockey Clifford Lee, this marked a landmark victory. With 13 Group 3 triumphs and six Group 2 wins, Lee has an admirable record in pattern company. However, this represented the rider’s first win at Group 1 level.
Fillies
In claiming this £165,280.99 prize, Venetian Sun became the sixth filly to win the Prix Morny in the current century, following in the hoofprints of the following excellent horses:
- Divine Proportions (2004) – Brilliant Pascal Bary filly who subsequently added the Prix Marcel Boussac, Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Prix de Diane, and Prix d’Astarte to her Group 1 haul.
- Silca’s Sister (2005) – Handed Mick Channon a famous win in this race but was never as good following her switch to the Saeed bin Suroor operation. Zero from three in her Classic campaign, the pick of her efforts saw her finish fourth in the 1000 Guineas.
- Lady Aurelia (2016) – Wesley Ward’s second Prix Morny winner following No Nay Never in 2013. Having previously claimed the Queen Mary Stakes by seven lengths, Lady Aurelia returned to Royal Ascot in 2017 to land the King’s Stand Stakes.
- Pretty Pollyanna (2018) – More Silca’s Sister than Divine Proportions, this Michael Bell filly finished second in the Irish 1000 Guineas but failed to win in seven outings following her Prix Morny victory.
- Campanelle (2020) – Following the blueprint set by Lady Aurelia, Campanelle won the Queen Mary Stakes before claiming the 2020 Prix Morny for Wesley Ward. Appearing three times at Royal Ascot, she famously won the 2021 Commonwealth Cup in the Stewards Room and finished third in the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Stakes.
Sun Set to Step Up In Trip
The bookmakers were clearly impressed with this Deauville display. Available at a best price of 12/1 before the Prix Morny, Venetian Sun is now as short as 6/1 for the 2026 1000 Guineas.
Sired by the July Cup winner Starman, and out of the mare Johara, who did all of her winning at 6f, Venetian Sun doesn’t look like an obvious 1000 Guineas contender on pedigree. However, her style of running suggests she may see out the distance.
We will learn more in the filly’s next assignment, which takes her to the Curragh on 14 September for the 7f Moyglare Stud Stakes.