In a thrilling display of speed and strategy, Sajir, under the expert guidance of jockey Oisin Murphy, stunned the racing world by defeating the heavily favored Lazzat in the Group 1 ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on August 10, 2025. The 27-1 outsider delivered a performance that left spectators and punters alike in awe, marking a significant milestone in the career of both horse and rider. This victory, celebrated as a breakthrough for trainer Andre Fabre’s colt, showcased the unpredictable drama that makes horse racing a global spectacle.
The Prix Maurice de Gheest, a prestigious 6½-furlong sprint, is renowned for its high-stakes competition and ability to draw Europe’s finest sprinters. This year, all eyes were on Lazzat, the unbeaten gelding trained by Jerome Reynier, who had cemented his reputation with a scintillating win in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier in the season. With a commanding performance history and a reputation for untouchable speed, Lazzat was backed heavily, starting the race as the clear favorite at odds of 1.75 lengths. The anticipation surrounding Lazzat was palpable, with trainer Jerome Reynier expressing confidence in his charge: “He has such a high cruising speed that if the others try to lead him, they burn themselves out, and if they let him go, he’s very hard to catch.”
Yet, as the gates opened at Deauville, it was Sajir who seized the moment. Trained by the legendary Andre Fabre, the colt had shown flashes of brilliance in prior races, notably finishing just over two lengths behind Lazzat in their previous encounter. Despite this, few expected the upset that unfolded. Oisin Murphy, known for his tactical brilliance, rode Sajir with precision, positioning the horse to capitalize on the fast-paced field. “Sajir always runs well, and we’ll give him a positive ride and see if he’s good enough to compete,” Fabre had said before the race, hinting at the potential for a surprise. That confidence proved prophetic as Sajir surged to the front, outpacing Lazzat by 1.75 lengths in a performance described by Racing Post as “the race of his life.”
The race unfolded on a sun-soaked afternoon in Normandy, with the ground rated at 3.4 on the penetrometer, translating to a good-to-firm surface ideal for sprinters. Lazzat, expected to dominate with his signature front-running style, set a blistering pace early on. However, Sajir’s tactical positioning allowed him to stalk the leader, conserving energy for a decisive move in the final furlong. As Lazzat began to tire under the pressure of his own speed, Sajir found another gear, pulling away to secure the victory. Woodshauna, another contender, finished a close third, just a head behind Lazzat, adding to the drama of the tightly contested finish.
Oisin Murphy’s ride was a masterclass in patience and timing. His ability to read the race and position Sajir for the perfect strike underscored why he is one of the world’s top jockeys. Reflecting on the win, Murphy’s enthusiasm was evident: “Sajir was brilliant today. He’s always shown promise, and to get him to this level in a Group 1 is something special.” The victory marked a significant moment for Murphy, who has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, and for Fabre, whose expertise in preparing horses for major races remains unmatched.
For Lazzat’s connections, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Trainer Jerome Reynier, while gracious in defeat, acknowledged the strength of the competition: “Lazzat ran his race, but Sajir was just too good on the day. There are no excuses.” The loss ended Lazzat’s unbeaten streak, which had included a standout performance against Japan’s Satono Reve at Royal Ascot. Despite the setback, Lazzat’s team remains optimistic about his future, with Reynier noting, “He’s still a champion in my eyes, and we’ll regroup for the next challenge.”
The upset sparked a wave of excitement on social media, with posts on X capturing the sentiment of the moment. One user, @The_Anteposter, summed it up: “Sajir stuns Lazzat and everyone else to take the spoils at 27-1. Ran the race of his life for Oisin Murphy/Fabre.” Another post from @RacingPost highlighted the significance of the win: “Sajir upset the odds when defeating Wathnan Racing’s Royal Ascot winner Lazzat in the Prix Maurice de Gheest under Oisin Murphy.” These reactions underscored the shock and admiration that rippled through the racing community, making the race a trending topic online.
What makes this victory particularly compelling is the narrative of the underdog triumphing against the odds. Sajir, a horse with a solid but unspectacular record, was not the first name on bettors’ lips. Yet, his performance in Deauville proved that in horse racing, form and favoritism can be overturned by heart and strategy. The win also highlighted the depth of competition in European sprinting, a division often criticized for lacking star power. As Racing Post noted, “Even the two best sprint performances of the season in Europe have been taken as evidence that the division is poor.” Sajir’s victory challenges that narrative, suggesting that the sprinting ranks are brimming with talent waiting to shine.
For Andre Fabre, the win was another feather in the cap of a trainer who has dominated European racing for decades. His decision to enter Sajir in the Prix Maurice de Gheest, despite the colt’s long odds, reflected a deep understanding of his horse’s capabilities. “We’ve got a good draw and Oisin on board again from his Newmarket win,” said Ted Voute, racing manager to Sajir’s owner, Prince Faisal, before the race. “These sprinters all seem to take turns in these big races as they need everything to go right.” That foresight paid dividends, as everything did indeed go right for Sajir on the day.
The Prix Maurice de Gheest also served as a reminder of Deauville’s status as a premier racing venue. The straight 6½-furlong course, with its challenging layout, tests both speed and stamina, making it a true championship event. The race’s history is filled with memorable moments, and Sajir’s victory will undoubtedly be added to that storied legacy. For fans, the event was a showcase of why horse racing captivates millions: the blend of athleticism, strategy, and the thrill of the unexpected.
As the dust settles on this remarkable race, the focus now shifts to what lies ahead for Sajir and Lazzat. For Sajir, this Group 1 breakthrough opens doors to further elite competitions, potentially cementing his status as a rising star. For Lazzat, the defeat is a minor setback in an otherwise stellar career, with upcoming races offering opportunities for redemption. The rivalry between these two sprinters could define the sprinting season, adding intrigue to future Group 1 events.
This race was more than just a sporting event; it was a story of resilience, skill, and the magic of the underdog. Sajir’s triumph, powered by Oisin Murphy’s brilliance and Andre Fabre’s mastery, will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2025 racing season. For fans and bettors alike, it’s a reminder that in the world of horse racing, the unexpected is always just a furlong away.
