Rusty Persian King denied by stablemate Magny Cours on first start for a year

Connections were satisfied with Persian King's performance despite last season's French Guineas winner suffering defeat by a short neck against fellow Andre Fabre inmate Magny Cours at Chantilly on Wednesday.

On his first appearance since suffering a problem in the Prix du Jockey Club a year ago, it was almost a shock to be reminded quite what a physical specimen Persian King is when he entered the parade ring before the Listed Prix de Montretout.

Pierre-Charles Boudot tracked Mickael Barzalona and Magny Cours into the straight but when he asked Persian King to tackle the leader, the rust of a year on the sidelines was clear to see as the odds-on favourite closed the gap but never quite looked like prevailing.

Magny Cours has suffered his own career interruptions – the gelded five-year-old was making just his sixth start – but has always shown plenty of ability.

Barzalona said: "They're stablemates and Persian King undoubtedly was in need of a run. We'll enjoy this success but if they met again in two weeks I'm not sure you would see the same result. But Magny Cours showed his best side today and that is pretty good."

Persian King is in the shared ownership of Godolphin and his breeders, Ballymore Thoroughbreds, whose representative Anthony Stroud was far from downhearted.

"I thought he ran a nice race, knowing that he needed it after being off for a year," said Stroud. "Andre was pleased and that's the most important thing.

"He's carrying a lot of weight and he needs to trim down a bit. There's nobody better than Andre at getting a horse right and so I'd be very satisfied. It's important to see how he comes out of the race and then look forward to the Ispahan."

That Group 1 target – which for this year only has been opened up to three-year-olds as part of the reorganisation of the French Pattern enforced by the curtailed season – takes place over 1m1f at Chantilly on July 19.

Boudot was also happy enough with Persian King's showing and felt there was plenty to look forward to with the son of Kingman.

"I think he'll come on a lot for that and will improve with racing," said Boudot. "He was a very good three-year-old and I have no doubts about his level at four."

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