G1 Ganay success for Cloth Of Stars

Cloth Of Stars gained a first G1 victory in the Prix Ganay at Saint-Cloud, France, on Monday, May 1 when stretching his unbeaten record to three in 2017.

The four-year-old Sea The Stars colt, trained by Andre Fabre and partnered by Mickael Barzalona, was well away in the seven-runner field.

He was a bit keen when held back in third as Guignol took them along with the other Godolphin runner, Hawkbill (Charlie Appleby/William Buick), having his first outing of the year. 

Four-year-old Hawkbill led in the straight but Cloth Of Stars, short of room for a moment, came through to challenge and went to the front with over a furlong to race.

The Godolphin winner ran on and then held off by a short-neck Zarak’s challenge in the closing stages. The winning time on good to soft turf was 2m 11.70s for the 10 furlong and 110 yards, while Hawkbill finished fifth.

Godolphin’s Lisa-Jane Graffard said: “The overall feeling is one of relief. Cloth Of Stars is an accomplished horse but can make things a bit complicated.

“He was a bit keen and then had to dig deep at the finish, but he always seems to find a bit more.

“We are delighted that he has won his first G1. He has plenty of class and there are lots of options for him.

“Andre has always felt that Cloth Of Stars has the stamina for a mile and a half and the horse will certainly race again over that distance – the question is whether it will be now or in the autumn.

“We will have to see how Cloth Of Stars comes out of this race and then make a decision about where to go next.”

Cloth Of Stars has been successful twice in G2s and three times in G3s.