Sunway wins 2yo Gr.1 part-owned by Qatar Racing

Very progressive 2yo colt Sunway won the Gr.1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud in France on Sunday for owners Qatar Racing, Guy Pariente and Thomas Lines. Sunway is a full brother to 2021 QIPCO Champion Stakes winner Sealiway and promises to do even better beyond 1m in 2024.

Sunway had made a deeply impressive debut at Sandown in June under Oisin Murphy for trainer David Menuisier and his owner-breeder Guy Pariente and Thomas Lines.

It was after that run that Qatar Racing bought into the colt and, after being fancied for a Listed race at Ascot (which proved extremely strong form), Sunway finished runner-up in the Gr.2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster from subsequent Gr.1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Rosallion and Listed winer Mountain Bear.

Sunway lined up as the 43/10 second favourite for the 7-runner Gr.1 Criterium International and, stepped up to 1m, he hit the line strongly to beat odds-on Alcantor, who had impressively won a Gr.3 the time before. Sunway responded extremely generously to a firm drive by Oisin to win by half a length.

Sunway adds his name to a Criterium International roll of honour that includes Dalakhani, Bago, Mount Nelson, Roderic O’Connor, Thunder Snow etc.

It was another Gr.1 victory in France for Frenchman David Menuisier, who trains in Pulborough, West Sussex. We are delighted to be partners in this exciting colt and cannot wait to see him campaigned at the highest level as a 3yo – hopefully able to go one better than brother Sealiway who finished runner-up in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby).

Oisin and David had a double on the card when 4yo filly Cauis Chorister won a Gr.3 by 4 lengths.