Horse Racing News: Puchkine Stuns in Prix Jean Prat

Puchkine Secures Upset Victory in Prestigious Race

(Deauville, [Publication Date]) – In a thrilling display, the Starspangledbanner colt Puchkine caused a major upset in the prestigious Prix Jean Prat at Deauville. Trained by the esteemed Jean-Claude Rouget, Puchkine secured a one-two finish for the French stable, with stablemate Havana Cigar claiming the runner-up spot.

The race saw Puchkine track the early pace, with the rest of the field content to sit off the early gallop. When jockey Ioritz Mendizabal took control three furlongs from home, he only had Brian Meehan’s French 1000 Guineas runner-up Kathmandu for company. As the British raider faded in the closing stages, Puchkine surged clear to secure a comfortable victory at odds of 33/1.

Havana Cigar made a late charge to claim the second position, just edging out Beauvatier for the minor honors. Kathmandu finished fifth, one place ahead of Frankel’s half-brother Kikkuli, while Devil’s Point and Romantic Style were well beaten.

“We are all thinking of Mr Rouget right now, we want to thank him,” said Nicolas de Watrigant, the racing manager to owner-breeder Alain Jathiere, speaking to Sky Sports Racing.

Despite his absence, Rouget’s stable produced another impressive performance, with Puchkine showcasing his potential.

“We’ve always hoped for the best with this horse, he has always shown potential,” added de Watrigant. “We always knew he was a good horse, he was working very well, so we took the decision to supplement him and I think he will come back for the Maurice de Gheest, he’s full of speed.”

The victory for Puchkine was particularly noteworthy, as the colt had to be supplemented into the race earlier in the week. The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the French-bred horse delivered a stunning performance on the big stage.

Fans of horse racing will eagerly await Puchkine’s next outing, which is expected to be the Maurice de Gheest, where he will look to further cement his status as a rising star in the sport.

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