TOUCH OF CLASS
Unfortunately proves too tough for his rivals
KARL BURKE’S decision to run Unfortunately in the Group Two Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte paid off with a well-earned victory.
His colt, which was ridden by Tony Piccone, had finished a close second in his two previous races and was wearing a visor for the first time.
The son of Society Rock tracked Tom Dascombe’s front-runner Frozen Angel into the race before picking up well on the stands’ rail to get on top close home.
Frozen Angel, fourth in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, ran a fine race to hold on to second from Heartache. High Dream Milena was fourth and may have finished closer but for being impeded by the winner at a crucial stage.
The stewards looked into interference between Unfortunately and High Dream Milena, but kept the original placings as they were. Burke said: “I’m relieved we kept the race in the stewards’ room. I’m not sure we would have done if the French horse had finished second.
“It’s a great result and I’m delighted for everybody. We had a bit of a sticky six months of the year, but the horses are coming to themselves now and they are running well.
“If he’d finished third or fourth I’d have been satisfied, but I’m not surprised he’s run so well. He’s a horse with a lot of ability.
“Tony gave him a very good ride and I think the visor has helped a fair bit.”
A return to France could be on the cards.
“We’ll consider the Prix Morny,” said Burke. “A flat track like Deauville will suit him and six furlongs shouldn’t be a problem. There’s also the Gimcrack at York, so we’ll see what happens.”
Richard Kingscote was unplaced on Richard Hannon’s Tai Hang Dragon in the Prix de Bagatelle later on the card.