G1 for Starman as Tally-Ho bred Venetian Sun shines in Prix Morny

Venetian Sun handed her ascendant young sire Starman yet another milestone on Sunday when capturing the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville for Karl Burke.

In defeating the colt Gstaad, the Tally-Ho bred Venetian Sun was making it four from four, having previously landed the Group 3 Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket for owners Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy.

There was also a great run from the Mehmas colt Wise Approach, also bred by us, in third.

In the process, Venetian Sun continued our wonderful association with Prix Morny, joining a list of Tally-Ho bred winners that also comprises Bushranger (2008), Unfortunately (2017), Campanelle (2020) and Perfect Power (2021). Tally-Ho also sold the 2007 winner Myboycharlie and breezed Dream Ahead, successful in 2010.

Venetian Sun was purchased by current connections under the Todd Investments banner from our draft at last year's Tattersalls October Book 1 (pictured below).

"She's unbelievable," said Karl Burke. "She's so relaxed, there's hardly a blow on her. I've been saying for a while that she's a special filly and i think she's just proved that there today. She's got so much ability.

"She'll head to the Moyglare now all being well. I've had some good fillies like Laurens and Fallen Angel but at this stage of her career, she's way ahead of them."

Celebrating his first Group 1, jockey Clifford Lee added: "What a great filly. She tries very hard. She has a great attitude, she was very relaxed to post. In the race, I was trying to follow Ryan Moore and roughly 400 metres out, I came to make a run and she picked up well for me - I hit the front a little bit too soon and she pricked her ears.

"I personally think she'll be a better filly over 7f. I've ridden some very good horses but for sure she's the best - it's fantastic."

Out of the Iffraaj mare Johara, Venetian Sun continues an outstanding start at stud for champion sprinter Starman; other standouts include Group 2 Prix Robert Papin winner Green Sense, our homebred multiple Group 3 winner Lady Iman, wide-margin Group 3 Tyros Stakes scorer North Coast and and stakes-placed trio Flowerhead, Moonage Daydream and Orion's Belt.