€80,000 Lys Longines (Gr3): Delius, better than ever

Sunday, 16 June 2024, Chantilly Racecourse (Oise). – Winner of his first two races, the Prix Juigné in April over 10.5f, then the Prix du Puits aux Chiens over this course and distance in May, Delius (Frankel) started as the favourite for the €80,000 Prix du Lys Longines (Gr3, 3yo, 2,400m). The Coolmore Stud representative dominated quite comfortably, even though it took him a bit of time to get going as they entered the home straight. Once he reached his momentum, he gave his opponents no chance, extending several lengths ahead of the pack before Saganti (Zarak), coming from far back, made a strong move to take second place, two lengths behind, and then held off a good finishing run from Internaute (Sea the Stars) on the rail, beaten by a neck.

The German horse Global Health (Farhh) also finished well, a neck behind in fourth place on his first attempt at this level.

Entered in the Grand Prix de Paris, Delius was purchased as a foal for £675,000 at the Tattersalls Yearling Sales. His third dam also produced the stallions Kodiac and Invincible Spirit. Born in February, he is a brother to a Gr3 winner at Newcastle, too. This family also includes the mare Uni (More than Ready), notably the winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile (Gr1).

After Delius, the mare produced a filly by Sea The Moon, sold for £70,000 as a yearling to Mildmay Bloodstock, and a filly by Kingman born in 2023.