The Aga Khan bred Saratan confirmed his class when taking the competitive Group III Prix du Palais-Royal over seven furlongs at Longchamp today. Already a Stakes winner over a mile at Deauville last summer, the six year old Saratan is by Tirol and out of the Dalsaan mare Sarafia. Producing a strong late challenge, Saratan eventually won by a length from the English raiders Meshaheer and Mount Abu.

Saratan was the second leg of a double for young trainer Mikel Delzangles, who has been having great success since leaving Aiglemont, the Aga Khan’s French training centre, three years ago where he was assistant for nine years. Delzangles commented:

“I am delighted to win my first Group race with an Aga Khan bred horse. Saratan was bought at the Goffs November Sale out of John Oxx’s yard when I first set up training, and he has been a very good servant to me. The Aga Khan stock tend to be tough and genuine like Saratan.”