Nocturnal Fox in full bloom

Nocturnal Fox (Farhh), tackling group company for the very first time after winning his maiden, proved victorious in the Prix Hocquart Longines (Gr3). He kicked for home early and courageously turned back, Al Malhouf (Dutch Art), who took time to hit his stride. Hush Writer (Rulership) was also noted running-on well for third.

How the horses fared

• 1st – Nocturnal Fox: After racing in fifth, he seized the initiative at the entrance of the straight. Doing well to sustain his effort, he repelled a succession of attacks to prove a decisive winner.
• 2nd– Al Malhouf: Prominent, he was the early leader before being ‘relayed’ in that capacity by Pharrell. He hit a flat patch in mid-straight, before running on strongly for second.
• 3rd – Hush Writer: Held up towards the rear, he was noted doing his best work towards the finish in the middle of the track which enabled him to snatch third.
• 4th – Pharrell: Having set the tempo, he was unable to raise his game at the sharp end and had to settle for fourth.
• 5th– King of Camelot: After bringing up the rear, he ran creditably to take fifth.
• 6th– Solesili: Smartly away and raced prominently but was unable to raise the stakes when it mattered most.
• 7th - Master of Reality: After racing in the slipstream of Al Malhouf in third on the rail, he found himself trapped on the inside by Pharrell and was unable to show his true mettle.
• 8th – Aspetar: Waited with in sixth, he was never dangerous.

What connections said…

Mickaël Barzalona (jockey of Nocturnal Fox, 1st)

"The way the race developed forced my hand as regards kicking for home early. He’s still a big baby but showed that he is a quality colt. I’m quite happy and optimistic as he is still a bit immature and tends to race in snatches. Step by step, the penny  seems to be dropping {with him}. He has everything in his armoury to become a good horse."

Fabrice Chappet (the trainer of Al Malhouf, 2nd)

"The colt ran very well considering that he didn’t have a happy time of and notably in the dash for the line."

Francis-Henri Graffard (the trainer of Hush Writer, 3rd)

"He has been the author of a good race and lost no caste in defeat. He seems to have a bright future over this trip and in this grade, and we will try and toughen him up. Gai Waterhouse bought him in Japan before entrusting him to Criquette Head-Maarek. After the latter retired, I took over as the colt’s trainer."

The roll of honour

Year     Winner                Trainer             Owner                               Jockey                  Final time

2018     Nocturnal Fox      A. Fabre            Godolphin SNC                   M. Barzalona         2’29’’51

2017     Ice Breeze            P. Bary              Khalid Abdullah                   V. Cheminaud        2’33’’09

2016     Mekhtaal              J.-C. Rouget       Al Shaqab Racing                G. Benoist            2’07’’03

2015     Ampere                A. Fabre            SCEA Haras de Saint Pair      M. Barzalona         2’18’’35

2014     Free Port Lux       F. Head             Olivier Thomas                    T. Jarnet               2’23’’11