Trueshan raises his level again for Hollie
HOLLIE DOYLE declared Trueshan “as good as ever, if not better” as Alan King’s popular stayer regained his title in the Group One Prix du Cadran at Longchamp.
The seven-year-old, placed at a crossroads by defeats in his first two starts of 2023, got back on track with a win in the Doncaster Cup last month.
And, making all the running for the first time, Trueshan repeated his victory of two years ago with a four-length defeat of Moon Wolf.
“He feels as good as ever, if not better,” said Doyle, watched by parents Mark and Caroline as she racked up her eighth Group One triumph.
“All credit to Alan to get him back to where he is. He’s won the Cadran twice now – it takes some doing.”
Doyle, who has now partnered Trueshan to 10 victories, added: “I was a little worried about the ground, but he got into a beautiful rhythm.
“My mum and dad are here and I don’t think my dad has seen me ride a Group One winner, so it’s extra special.”
The pairing will now attempt a fourth straight win in the Group Two Long Distance Cup at Ascot in 20 days’ time.
“The little wind operation we gave him has clearly helped, and the good thing is we have a fresh horse for the back end of the season,” said King, having watched the race at Newmarket.
“I’ll give him an entry in the Prix Royal-Oak just in case but Ascot would be the plan.”
THE William Haggastrained ★ Sea Silk Road, the regular mount of Doyle’s husband, Tom Marquand, scored at her second attempt in Group One company when lifting the Prix de Royallieu under Aurélien Lemaître.