Joe Tuite ponders 'fairytale' Group 1 tilt as his potential final runner

Joe Tuite is dreaming of a fairytale end to his career with , who could clash with ace Aussie import Verry Elleegant in France next weekend.

The trainer last month announced he would be winding down his Lambourn operation and Via Sistina – a useful four-year-old owned by bloodstock agent Stephen Hillen – is set to be his final runner.

The options for the filly include a heritage handicap at York on Friday, although a bold bid at the Group 1 Darley Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville next Sunday will also be considered.

That is the aim for superstar mare , an 11-time Group 1 winner whose biggest victory was achieved in last year's Melbourne Cup.

Formerly with Chris Waller, she is now trained by Francis Graffard who has booked the services of Frankie Dettori for the €250,000 contest, although Tuite will keep a close eye on the weather before committing Via Sistina, who enjoys give in the ground, to a race.

"She's in lots of places and Deauville is a Group 1, so it's not going to look easy, but there aren't that many entries," he said.

"She's also in at York on Friday and it looks like there's going to be a bit of rain around everywhere next week.

"I think she'd go close at York because she's in some form, but the owner might prefer nicking some black type in the Group 1, which is just for four-year-olds and up, and you don't get many of them at this time of year."

Joe Tuite: Via Sistina could be outgoing Lambourn trainer's final runnerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Tuite, who pointed to the financial pressures of training as the main reason for his departure from the scene, added "Going for a Group 1 would be a big shout and fairytales like that don't really happen, do they?

"We'd love to do it and she's in very good form. She had a knock in the spring, which meant she didn't run and then the ground in the last two months has been too quick.

"She went to Ffos Las the other day and the ground had gone heavy and she worked great after racing.

"She's the one I hope to bow out on. If she was lucky enough to win, even the handicap at York, there definitely wouldn't be another runner. It would be nice if she could do it."

Tuite, touched when invited to lunch in the directors' box at Salisbury on Wednesday and presented with a personalised memento, started training in 2011 and recorded a signature success four years later when Litigant landed the Ebor at York.

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