Best third in France Group 1

Best of the Bests, hoping to give Godolphin its third Prix du Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buggard-Jacques Le Marois in four years, finished a third behind the filly Banks Hill at Deauville, France, yesterday.

Godolphin's five-year-old was also looking for a back-to-back win in France having won the Group I Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp, in May, before disappointing his subsequent start when finishing eighth of 12 in the Group II Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot, in June.

Trained at Newmarket by Saeed bin Suroor, and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Best of the Bests led the eight-horse field when setting an even pace. But he came under pressure at the two-furlong marker and was passed by the winner, and subsequent runner-up Domedrive, a furlong out.

Commenting on Best of the Bests' performance, Simon Crisford, Godolphin's Racing Manager, told the stable's website: "He ran well and we're pleased with that effort. He will go for the Prix du Moulin (at Longchamp on Saturday, September 8) next."

Godolphin won this race in previous years with the great Dubai Millennium (1999) and Muthathir (2000). Noverre finished third last year.

Bank Hill, ridden by French ace Oliver Peslier for top trainer Andre Farbe, was second in this race behind Vahorimix a year ago before she went on to win the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Belmont Park, in October.

Second-placed Domedrive, trained by Pascal Bary, was ridden by Thierry Thulliez.

The Group One Prix du Haras, run over a mile on turf, is one of the highlights of Deauville's Autumn racing calendar and is traditionally contested by Classic types.

Deauville, a seaside resort which has become famous worldwide for its racing, casinos and the film festival in September, is also well known for its one mile straight course. France Galop have owned the race course since 1921.

Godolphin, which has enjoyed 12 Group I wins in France, was looking for their 10th Group I win of the season in the Prix du Haras.

Results:
At Deauville, France
Prix du Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buffard-Jacques Le Marois (Group 1)
For 3yo+ Colts and Fillies Winner £175,276.00 (1 mile):
1. Banks Hills (trained by A Farbe) ridden by Oliver Peslier;
2. Dome Driver (P Bary) Thierry Thulliez;
3. Best Of The Bests (Saeed bin Suroor) Frankie Dettori.