Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes
Group 1 Fillies, Newmarket 14:40
£275,000 guaranteed,
3yo plus,
1m, Class 1   
Saturday 5th October 2024

SureWIn

1 Tamfana 2/1F
2 Inspiral 9/2
3 See The Fire 3/1
6 ran Distances: 2l, 1l, shd
Time: 1m 40.48s (slow by 4.48s)

Tamfana delivered David Menuisier his first Group One victory of the season with a stunning performance, while Inspiral ended her career with a valiant second-place finish.

Menuisier, who had seen Tamfana, Sunway, and Wind Chime place in several top-tier races, can now celebrate a well-deserved win at the highest level.

With Oisin Murphy committed to riding See The Fire for Andrew Balding, Menuisier quickly secured Colin Keane, a champion jockey in Ireland, for the ride. Despite never having won a Group One in England, Keane proved to be an excellent choice. Tamfana broke smartly and settled in second behind Darnation, while Inspiral missed the start, a habit she has developed.

Nashwa was too keen for Hollie Doyle on her first run since Dubai, and See The Fire never posed a threat. Tamfana took the lead over a furlong out, and although Inspiral made up significant ground under Robert Havlin, she finished two lengths behind the 2-1 favourite. Tamfana had previously placed fourth in the 1000 Guineas, third in the French Oaks, and fourth in the Grand Prix de Paris.

A delighted Menuisier said, “She did exactly what we hoped. We kept it simple, and Colin respected the filly, who took him to victory. Everything went smoothly, and she truly deserves this win. It’s a huge relief to get our first Group One. We have more big runners this weekend, so let’s go for it. It’s fantastic for the syndicate (Quantum Leap Racing) that bought her for €20,000. She’s beaten horses owned by the biggest names in the world, and it’s just magical.”

Tamfana is entered in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day, and Menuisier hasn’t ruled out a quick return to action at Ascot in two weeks. “We’ll see how she is. She handles any ground, but at this time of year, you have to play it by ear. We’ll enjoy today and see how she goes in the next couple of weeks. This win is a significant achievement, especially after missing out a few times. I’m thrilled for the filly, more than for myself.”

For Keane, it was his first time riding for Menuisier, and Murphy’s misfortune turned into a great opportunity. Keane said, “I found out Thursday morning I was riding her. It’s unfortunate for Oisin, but it was a brilliant spare ride, and I was delighted to get the call. It’s my first time riding for David, but they seem like a great team, and I’m happy for them all. She travels well and quickens nicely. She pinged the gates and kept it straightforward. I wasn’t sure what was coming from behind, but thankfully, she quickened away well.”

Richard Thompson of Cheveley Park Stud reflected on Inspiral’s career, saying, “It’s been an incredible journey with her. Six Group Ones, a Breeders’ Cup, two Jacques le Marois, and a Coronation Stakes. It’s been brilliant.

“Chris (Richardson, Cheveley Park managing director) and the team at the stud obviously bred her and she has been marvellous for my family and for my mother who will be at home watching. It’s been a brilliant journey.”

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Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes (Fillies' Group 1)
£275,000 guaranteed, 3yo plus, 1m, Class 1
6 ran
Going: Good to Soft

POS. (DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (6)    Tamfana 3 9-2 David Menuisier Colin Keane 2/1F
2 (1) 2 Inspiral 5 9-5 John & Thady Gosden Robert Havlin 9/2
3 (5) 1 See The Fire 3 9-2 Andrew Balding Oisin Murphy 3/1
4 (4) shd Elmalka 3 9-2 Roger Varian William Buick 13/2
5 (3) 3 Nashwa 5 9-5 John & Thady Gosden Hollie Doyle 5/1
6 (2) 1 Darnation 3 9-2 K R Burke Sam James 16/1

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