Olivier Peslier has made the perfect start to his new association with Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa al Thani by winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Charm Spirit.
Peslier’s long-time contract with the Wertheimer brothers was recently terminated and he was snapped up by the sheikh.
He managed to find a gap on the Freddie Head-trained three-year-old and had enough in hand to hold the unlucky Night Of Thunder.
The 5-1 shot got home by half a length from the 2-1 favourite, trained by Richard Hannon, with Night Of Thunder’s stablemate Toormore (25-1) a close third.
“He was always in front and it was a really good win,” Peslier said.
“It is wonderful.”
Charm Spirit was fifth behind Night Of Thunder in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, but has since won four successive races, three at Group One level.
The high-class colt was last seen in action in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, where he defeated the Hannon-trained Toronado by a head, with Night Of Thunder a close-up third.
“It’s fantastic. I’m delighted, I could not ask for more,” Head said.
“He ran a great race and was given a great ride by Olivier Peslier.
Head also revealed Charm Spirit could have run his last race with a stud career beckoning.
