No Nay Never Colt Raises Meydan Trophy

The Charlie Appleby-trained Art Du Val (3c No Nay Never - Aquarelle Rare, by Rainbow Quest) ran out an impressive winner of the Meydan Trophy on his racecourse return on Thursday.

Successful on debut in August, he was last seen finishing second in a Listed contest in Deauville in October and was sent off the even-money favourite on his Dubai debut. Racing over nine and a half furlongs, he was restrained in mid-division by William Buick and began to make good progress from the three furlong pole. Leading a furlong and a half from home, he ran on well to beat Bila Shak (Scat Daddy) by four lengths.

Buick commented after the race, “He has matured and improved a lot from two to three and is a nice horse for sure. It was a very pleasing performance.” The Listed Al Bastakiya is now the aim for the Godolphin-owned colt, who was purchased for 120,000gns at Tattersalls as a yearling. Bred by DJ and Ms Deer, Art Du Val is a grandson of three-time Group 1 winner Aquarelliste.