New stakes winner for Mehmas as Shiri shines at Deauville

A successful summer for Mehmas extended to Deauville on Sunday as Chauvigny Global Equine's homebred Shiri broke through in the Listed Prix du Cercle to record her fourth success.

A smart dual-winning 2yo who returned this year with a win at Chantilly, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained filly came with a withering run on the outer under Mickael Barzalona to win the 5f contest going away by two lengths.

"We could see that she certainly has a touch of class," said Francis-Henri Graffard. "She is entered in the Abbaye, and we’re going to focus on that type of race. She still needs to gain experience, but she’s a lovely filly. She needs good ground and a fast pace. She still breaks up her acceleration a bit, but what she’s achieving is very good. She’s a true sprinter."

Co-bred by her owner with Haras de la Haie Neuve et al, Shiri is out of the winning Macho Uno mare Tiffilia, also dam of the Group 2-placed Manu Et Corde.

She becomes the 9th stakes winner of the year in Europe for Mehmas, joining the likes of Botagoz and Florida Bay, and his 56th overall.