Petrushka caps Murtagh treble

Punters looking for a hint as to which was the stable in form with a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner did not need to be very perceptive to pick up some clues pointing to Sinndar. His trainer, John Oxx, added to Saturday's Longchamp success with Mouramara when Namid ran away with the Group One Prix de l'Abbaye less than an hour before the big race.

Punters looking for a hint as to which was the stable in form with a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner did not need to be very perceptive to pick up some clues pointing to Sinndar. His trainer, John Oxx, added to Saturday's Longchamp success with Mouramara when Namid ran away with the Group One Prix de l'Abbaye less than an hour before the big race.

His jockey, Johnny Murtagh, had an even better day, hoovering up another Group One win on Petrushka in the Prix de l'Opera for Sir Michael Stoute.

Namid was providing Ireland with a first victory in the Prix de l'Abbaye since Polonia scored 13 years ago and comfortably held the closest British challenger, the Willie Haggas-trained two-year-old Superstar Leo, who was one and a half lengths behind the winner. Pipalong was third and another British runner, Perryston View, filled fourth spot.

"Namid would have been a Group One winner long before now if he hadn't had problems with his knees," Oxx said. "He had to have surgery in June to put in chips and the vets have done a great job."

Petrushka overcame the disadvantage of being stuck in the number 14 stall on the wide outside to stay on strongly through the final two furlongs to get the better of Frankie Dettori's mount, Reve D'Oscar.

"Johnny did extremely well to get Petrushka where he did from that draw and this is a great performance from horse and jockey," Stoute said. "Petrushka is staying in training next year and that is certainly something to look forward to."

Murtagh's hopes of a fourth Group One win were dashed when Enzeli managed only fifth in the Prix du Cadran. The race was a one-two-three for the British with San Sebastian defeating Persian Punch and Royal Rebel.

Dettori still managed a winner on the card as Kabool made all in the Prix du Rond-Point for Godolphin whose racing manager, Simon Crisford, said: "That was Frankie at his best. He gave him a demon ride."

* The trainer Colin Parker has died at his Dumfriesshire home at the age of 55. Parker trained Sparky Gayle, who went through the 1996/97 season unbeaten in six races, including the Cathcart Chase. Parker had suffered from bone-marrow cancer since last year.

* Limestone Lad started at 4-7 but was beaten five lengths by Bannow Bay on his seasonal return at Cork yesterday.

* The July Cup winner Agnes World suffered defeat by Daitaku Yamato, a 256.5-1 shot, in a Group One sprint at Nakayama, Japan, yesterday.

* Pontefract's card today is subject to an inspection at 7am. The clerk of the course said: "There is 6mm of rain forecast, which would be a problem, but if we got one or two we would be all right." Catterick will be inspected at 2.30pm to see if tomorrow's card can go ahead.

* Coral make Giant's Causeway 3-1 favourite for the Champion Stakes at Newmarket on 14 October. Plans remain fluid for the colt, who could go for the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park en route to the Breeders' Cup Classic.