Condon ‘Delighted’ With Romanised Success

Ken Condon said he was “over the moon” after Romanised claimed victory in Sunday’s Group One Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

The County Kildare trainer had waxed lyrical about the four-year-old’s form after last year’s 2,000 Guineas winner ended a six-race winless run when he triumphed in the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh on July 20.

And Romanised fully justified Condon’s positivity as jockey Billy Lee maintained a lead over Coronation Stakes’ winner and favourite, Watch Me, throughout as he guided Romanised past leader Shaman to win comfortably.

Charlie Appleby’s Line Of Duty managed to snatch third place, but it was all about the performance of Romanised. He said: “I’m over the moon, I was delighted with him.

“There’s nothing like winning a Classic, but I’ve been watching racing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper and I’ve been very much aware of the history and prestige of this race.

“To get his name on the roll of honour means an awful lot. “It also had added significance to me as I worked at Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard (sponsors) for a yearling season many years ago and I know some of the guys there, so we’re thrilled.

“He was very impressive and it was great to see.” He added: “It was a lovely confidence-booster last time and we’ve been delighted with him since.

He’s in a good place.

“Him and Billy get on well and he’s more mature this season, he seems to be improving and I’d say that might be a career-best. “I’ll discuss plans with his owner and his racing manager, but the Breeders’ Cup Mile is very much on the agenda.”