Godolphin were expected to win the Group I Prix Maurice de Gheest (1300m) at Deauville in France overnight with the favourite Earthlight, but it was his stablemate Space Blues that got the job done beating Cambridge Stud’s Hello Youmzain.
Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, four year-old Space Blues has been in hot form this year and made it four wins on the trot when pulling clear to win by three-quarters of a length.
“Space Blues is a Dubawi and we know what they can do as they get older. His profile this year has just been faultless,” said Charlie Appleby.
“Every time he's stepped up in grade he's been more impressive. A lot of credit goes to the team at home. Paulo who rides him at home does a fantastic job looking after him.”
It was a first Group I victory for Space Blues, who has the impressive record of seven wins and four placings from 13 starts.
A Godolphin homebred, Space Blues is a half-brother to Group II winner Shuruq (dam of stakes-winner Antoinette) being the best of four winners from Group II winning Noverre mare Miss Lucifer. This is the family of Group I winners Virginia Waters and Chachamaidee.
Space Blues is the 43rd Group I winner for Darley’s champion sire Dubawi, who commands a fee of 250,000 pounds.
