Karakontie Victorious in Lagardere

KARAKONTIE saw off the tenacious challenge of Spanish raider Noozhoh Canarias to land the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere for trainer Jonathan Pease and jockey Stephane Pasquier.

The Spanish horse, undefeated in all three starts, was extremely keen early and shot straight to the front, but proved unexpectedly resilient when favourite Karakontie came with a race-winning run.

The Pease-trained colt, who finished second to Chesham Stakes runner-up Bunker at Deauville in August, had to be pushed out right to the line to see off his dogged rival.

"He had to grind it out and I thought he had a bit more brilliance but he got the job done," said Pease, the  Chantilly-based Englishman.