Deauville: Darley Prix Jean Romanet (Group 1) 1m2f, 4yo+ fillies and mares

Snow Fairy produced a special performance to land a star-studded Prix Jean Romanet on her first start for 280 days, getting the better of Izzi Top and Galikova in a thrilling finish.
 
Having overcome a serious injury setback, she was settled towards the rear by Ryan Moore and the Ed Dunlop-trained five-year-old showed a good turn of foot and all her trademark battling qualities.

The slow early pace had left plenty in with chances as the field entered the final two furlongs and spread wide across the track as riders delivered their challenges.

Tight for room, Snow Fairy battled all the way to the line with Izzi Top, who also came wide and late under William Buick, momentarily taking the lead before the older mare ground her down in the closing stages.

The win further enhanced Snow Fairy's perfect record under Moore, making it six Group 1 wins in six starts under the former champion jockey.

A delighted Dunlop said: "This has to be one of the biggest highlights of my career, it's unbelievable. We'll wait to see how she comes out of this before we make a plan, but she's in the Irish Champion, the Arc, everything."

The home team was led home by Galikova, who was well positioned throughout sat on the quarters of her pacemaker Tempura - who led the field along, but she didn't quicken as well as her two British rivals.

Bookmakers reacted by cutting Snow Fairy to 20-1 for the Arc, a race she finished third in last year.