Holding destroys rivals

Philip Robinson secured his third Classic abroad in less than a month as Holding Court destroyed his rivals in the French Derby at Chantilly yesterday.

The 6.1 to 1 chance, trained at Newmarket by Michael Jarvis, made most of the running in the Prix du Jockey-Club and came home six lengths clear of Lord Flasheart. The jockey was successful last month on Crimplene in the German and Irish 1,000 Guineas.

"He didn't just quicken once - he quickened twice," said Robinson. "I knew it would take a good horse to get to me and I can't believe how far he's won by."

Coming past the Chateau, Holding Court had already established a healthy advantage in the muddy ground. He showed no signs of weakening in the straight and nothing looked ever likely to get near.

It was Lord Flasheart that emerged best of the chasing pack with Circus Dance third and the favourite Kutub fourth.

The Godolphin pair Broche and Roscius failed to make an impact while the other British runners were well in arrears.

Aidan O'Brien's big hope Ciro was a creditable sixth but never threatened to trouble the winner.

Robinson is enjoying his return to the big time after a long spell out of the headlines. "There are plenty of downs in this game - so you have to make the most of the ups," he said. Jarvis was enjoying his biggest success in France since Carroll House won the 1989 Prix de l'Arc Triomphe. He took over the training of Holding Court at the start of this season after owner John Good decided to take the colt away from Brian Meehan.

"The horse had an entry for the Derby but we felt the track here would be more suitable for him and it seemed to be an open race," said Jarvis.

"I was delighted when the rain came last night but this horse is not just a stayer - he can quicken."

The Budweiser Irish Derby is now on the cards for Holding Court but it would cost £85,000 to supplement the colt for the Curragh Classic.

"It's very tempting, especially as there is a one million dollar (about £700,000) bonus if he can win the Irish race," said Jarvis.

But if the ground in Ireland was against Holding Court he might instead be kept for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot next month.

Michael Kinane, the rider of Ciro, said: "He's very special at home and was never happy on the ground today. The winner must be very good."

British hopes of a second Group One success were dashed when the Spanish-trained Suances won the Prix Jean Prat. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Bach was second with Godolphin's Pacino third and the John Dunlop-trained Three Points fourth.