Impressive Stakes Success For In Form Fastnet Rock

The exciting Joie De Soir (3f Fastnet Rock - Highest Ever, by Galileo) continued to go from strength to strength on Sunday when running out an impressive winner of the Listed Grand Prix de Clairefontaine.

Successful on debut in December, the Andre Fabre-trained bay made a promising return to action last month when finishing second to a more experienced rival in a Class 2 contest. Stepping up to a mile and a half at the weekend, she tracked the leaders under Augustin Madamet and quickened between horses to lead after the two furlong marker. Drawing clear entering the final furlong, she kept on well to win by three lengths from Timour (Gleneagles).

The Coolmore homebred becomes the first Stakes winner out of Highest Ever (Galileo), whose two previous foals by Mastercraftsman and Zoffany achieved black-type, with a two-year-old full-sister to Joie De Soir (Fastnet Rock) still to race.

Earlier on the card, Tres Valentine (Fastnet Rock) achieved black-type for the third time when beaten just a head in the Listed Prix Luth Enchantee. The pair continue a terrific weekend for Fastnet Rock, following the smart maiden wins of Buckaroo and Sherkin Island, with the former to be targeted at the Beresford Stakes.