THE four-year-old grey Charyn put up a hugely impressive performance at Deauville on Sunday, winning the Group 1 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois by three lengths.

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Last year's winner Inspiral couldn't match her performance from last season and lost second in the final strides to Metropolitan.

With Ryan Moore replacing Kieren Shoemark, the mare was again slowly away and looked reluctant for a few strides before racing in last place as Big Rock made the running on the rail. She was moved up on the outside but could never quite get on terms with the leader.

The third British runner, Haatem was withdrawn before going to the starts by the veterinary surgeons.

Charyn raced in second for Silvestre De Sousa and was asked for his effort at the two furlong marker, taking it up, after a few strides he really hit top gear and raced away in the final furlong as Metropolitan shaded Inspiral for second

The son of Dark Angel began his season with a win in the Listed William Hill Doncaster Mile Stakes in March and hasn't stopped improving since, adding this Group 1 to his Queen Anne Stakes from Royal Ascot.

Interviewed on Sky Racing, trainer Varian said: "It was a comfortble watch, I'm looking forward to seeing it again, he's a great horse, he seems to be getting better and better, I dont know what to say, he'd make me cry, he's such a beautiful horse."

"You don't always know where you are with him, he's very laid back at home, he carries a lot of condition, most times I've sent him to the races, I've wondered if I've done enough with him, but he has a great mind, he's very relaxed. He makes my job easy.

"Silvestre's striking up a good relationship with him. I'm delighted for Nurlan Bizakov and his Sumbe operation, he's putn so much into the game.

"I hope he stays sound and we can enjoy him for a little longer, he's a super horse."

Varian also paid tribute to the Niarchos family for their long period of sponsorship.

The rest of the season plans look like including the Prix du Moulin and the QEII at Ascot.

Irish success

There was Irish success earlier on the card when the Joseph O'Brien-trained Cowardofthecounty won the Group 3 Prix Francois Boutin over seven furlongs. The son of Kodi Bear, partnered by Ryan Moore, stayed on well to notch his second win from four starts, winning by a length and a half from favourite Houquetot.