Sajir Delivers for Fabre in Abernant Stakes Victory

Andre Fabre’s able four-year-old Sajir scored an unforgettable victory in the Group Three Abernant Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday, heralding a dominant performance in Britain in his first-ever race.

This foal, which already promised much with strong runs at Chantilly race results, made a major step forward under the riding of Oisin Murphy in the Abernant Stakes. According to Sajir, it adds another international win to Fabre’s outstanding record in placing horses into some of the best races around the world.

Sajir, a son of Make Believe, received much support before the race and justified it. Always well positioned during the six-furlong contest, he made his move when the time was right with a decisive turn of foot and drew clear of the field.

Lethal Levi set the pace early on, establishing a strong front-running position. However, as the race entered its final stages, Sajir’s late charge proved too strong for the others. Grand Grey, who had tracked the leaders from the middle of the pack, rallied to secure second place, while Lethal Levi fought hard to finish third.

For Fabre, the win adds to his reputation as a trainer capable of succeeding in top British races in the Abernant Stakes. It is as though Fabre has been sending his horses to the richest of the UK fixtures over many years, and this latest victory demonstrates his ability to take on high-class horses on foreign turf.

Oisin Murphy, riding Sajir for the first time, was impressed with the colt’s performance. “He was a joy to ride,” Murphy said. “He moved through the race with ease and responded well when I asked him for more. It’s always special to get a win like this, especially for Mr. Fabre, and I’m thrilled with how he handled everything.”

Sajir had shown flashes of potential as a three-year-old, competing in several competitive races. Although he had not always secured the top spots, his performances hinted that better things were on the horizon. His run gave Chantilly race results a solid return after the winter break, setting the stage for his success in the Abernant Stakes.

The Abernant Stakes is often seen as a key race leading up to the Group One July Cup, and while there’s no official word yet on whether Sajir will target the event, his connections now have several possible routes to consider. The victory offers them flexibility in terms of planning their next moves, both in the UK and abroad.

Fabre’s team indicated that Sajir’s next race is still under consideration, with possible targets including the July Meeting at Newmarket or a return to France. “We’ve always had a good opinion of him, and this win shows what he’s capable of,” a representative from the stable said. “We’ll take our time to decide what’s best for him moving forward.”

The race also highlighted the quality of the current British sprinting scene. Lethal Levi, although not able to hold off the late charge of the winner, ran a credible race to finish third in the Abernant Stakes. Trainer Karl Burke, who oversees Lethal Levi’s training, expressed satisfaction with the colt’s performance. “He gave his all,” Burke said. “The winner was a little too good, but we’re pleased with how Lethal Levi battled.”

Grand Grey, finishing second, continued his steady progression. While the gelding is yet to secure a major win, his performances suggest that success could be just around the corner for him.

Ultimately, the success of Sajir in the Abernant Stakes has stamped his growing reputation as a horse to watch, winning solidly in France and then proceeding to Britain’s present proving ground; four-year-old Sajir now looks set to play a big part in this division right through the coming season. Racing enthusiasts and pundits alike will be keeping a close eye on the next outing.