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racing news / prix de l'abbaye

Wizz Kid Denies Raiders in Prix de l'Abbaye
07/10/12

1 Wizz Kid 83/10
2 Mayson 2/1F
3 Hamish McGonagall 23/1
NR: Cay Verde
18 ran Distances: nk, ½l, 2½l
TIME 1m 1.17s (slow by 4.37s)

Robert Collet's Wizz Kid, the sole French runner in the Qatar Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp, came with a late flourish to deny Mayson and Hamish McGonagall.

Wizz Kid
© Racehorse Photos

Outpaced in the early stages, Gerald Mosse looked to have a mountain to climb as Yorkshire-trained pair Mayson and Hamish McGonagall pulled away from the field inside the final furlong.

However, the filly relished the testing ground and began to make relentless progress, getting on top close home. Mayson appeared set to follow up his July Cup win, but was narrowly denied.

John O'Connor, racing manager for winning owners Ballylinch Stud, said of Wizz Kid: "She's been unlucky in a couple of the big sprints before, but it's nice everything has gone her way.

"She was beaten a length here last year and finished only fifth. She loved the fast pace and finished off well, so she deserves it.

"We will certainly consider going to Ascot (on Champions Day) now because she doesn't have to carry a Group One penalty there."

Mayson's trainer Richard Fahey said: "He was a little bit sloppy at the start and Paul (Hanagan) thought he was on his head the whole way. It was a bit sharp for him. We got mugged close home, but that's racing. He's run a great race, but I hate finishing second.

"He might go to Ascot now (Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes). We'll see how he comes out of the race when we get him home."

Tim Easterby said of the third-placed Hamish McGonagall: "He ran a mighty race. He's an absolute superstar and he's got a massive heart. He's got the speed for this ground, but Wizz Kid came past him like a bullet.

"We'll give him a well-earned break now, but the idea would be to come back for this next season."

Swiss Spirit returned home with a valid excuse for his disappointing display on Sunday.

David Elsworth's sprinter arrived in France as a big player following a win in a Newbury Group Three.

However, he was never involved at any stage and was eased by William Buick once his chance had gone.

His owners, Lordship Stud, tweeted: "Swiss Spirit has come out of the Abbaye stiff behind and has sustained a minor muscular pull."