'It's absolutely magic' - Tim Donworth delighted after his first Listed winner

If any proof were needed that Tim Donworfth is a name to note among the new wave of young trainers in Europe, then the success of Ocean Vision at Deauville on Saturday pointed to a man going places in a hurry.

Less than a year after saddling his debut winner Irish-born and Chantilly-based Donworth celebrated a first Listed success as Ocean Vision got the better of a three-way fight in the Prix de la Vallee d'Auge.

With stablemate Kokachin a short neck and a head away in third, Donworth had plenty to concentrate on in the closing stages of the two-year-old contest, with the highly tried Vicious Harry splitting the pair.

"To have my first Listed winner and the third as well in my first year running at this Deauville summer meeting is absolutely magic," said Donworth.

"The horse came to me a couple of months ago and as soon as I'd worked him a couple of times, I thought of this race.

"Jim Ryan [racing manager to owner John Kirkland] told me he needed quick ground and I came here thinking he would be in there fighting at the finish.

"I had thought the filly [Kokachin] was slightly better than him, but I worked them together and after that I wouldn't have been at all surprised whichever way round they finished."

Ocean Vision provided a first Listed success for trainer Tim Donworth (wearing suit and tie) at Deauville on SaturdayCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Donworth is a graduate of the Darley Flying Start course (a two-year thoroughbred industry management and leadership programme) and has become a thorough convert to racing in France after spells as assistant to both Nicolas Clement and Jean-Claude Rouget.

"I don't think I've saddled more than 45 runners and we've had 15 winners. Jim called me and said they were looking to support a young trainer and they'd like to send me this horse.

"I just don't have the words. It's huge for my clients and my team, and it's great that my parents [Roundhill Stud owners Bobby and Honora] are here."

Donworth added: "I told Max [Guyon] that he might feel like he was getting outpaced but that once he started pushing he would really get going in the last 200 metres."

Ocean Vision had been last seen finishing well adrift of Blackbeard in the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh on Irish Guineas weekend.

"I didn't want to plan further than today but he could be a horse we could travel with," said Donworth.

In a race of firsts, Ocean Vision provided a first stakes winner for his sire, US Navy Flag.

Results, replays and analysis

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