True Love arrives at Deauville as the market favourite for the 2026 edition of the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest, a race that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 3:40 p.m. The British‑trained filly, best known for her classic triumph in the 1000 Guineas, is now stepping up to contest a prestigious sprint over 1300 metres on French turf.
Her connections have high hopes, believing that the combination of her proven speed and the tactical acumen of jockey Wayne Lordan will be enough to secure the coveted crown. True Love's recent form provides a clear indication of why she is rated so highly. In her most recent outing, the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville, she was narrowly edged out, finishing a close second to the Jersey Stakes winner Thesecretadversary.
That performance, over a mile, demonstrated that she can stay the distance while still producing a rapid finishing burst. Earlier in the season she captured the Cheveley Park Stakes over six furlongs, confirming her ability to dominate at sprint distances as well. This blend of speed and stamina makes her an ideal candidate for the 1300‑metre test at Deauville, and her future value as a broodmare will be enhanced by a Group One victory on foreign soil. Wayne Lordan, who replaces Ryan Moore for this ride, has a strong record in French sprints and will be keen to add another high‑profile win to his résumé.
Lordan’s familiarity with the Deauville track and his experience handling high‑class fillies should give True Love the best possible chance of prevailing against a solid field. Among the other contenders, Stolen Kiss has shown a remarkable turnaround this year after being dropped back to sprint distances. The colt has improved dramatically, beating last year’s winner Sajir on two consecutive occasions and finishing a very tight fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Although he will be conceding weight to True Love, his recent form suggests he could still challenge the favourite, especially under the guidance of trainer Alexis Pouchin.
Wathnan Racing, fresh from a successful campaign at Goodwood, will be hoping to add another win with William Haggas' Division. The Kingman‑sired colt has been close to victory on several occasions, taking second in the Sandy Lane Stakes and third in the Commonwealth Cup, both times finishing behind Venetian Sun.
A respectable fifth‑place finish in the July Cup further proves his quality. Division possesses the speed and class to make an impact at Deauville and could well surprise the market. Samangan is not to be dismissed, but the horse will need to improve after being narrowly beaten by Division and True Love in recent races. Take Charge Star, representing Johnny Murtagh, also merits attention.
The gelding was only a neck behind Thesecretadversary – the horse that defeated True Love in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot – indicating that he can hold his own against top‑class opposition. A few other names round out the field. Distant Storm returns after a long lay‑off, having last run in the Group Three Prix Daphnis in May. His level of fitness will be a key factor on the day.
Komorebi, who finished second in the French 2000 Guineas before disappointing in the Prix du Jockey Club, appears to be better suited to a mile or slightly longer, making the 1300‑metre distance a potential sweet spot. Campacite, who was narrowly beaten by Komorebi in the French Derby, has shown promise in recent runs, particularly when paired with trainer Hawk Mountain. Lord Clover, despite a lackluster showing in the German 2000 Guineas, possesses a respectable French form record and could prove a nuisance in the sprint.
Crimson Road, a Chepstow handicap winner, will be looking to replicate his recent success after being raised in weight following a dominant performance at the Capital Windscreens Supports Chepstow Centenary Celebration Handicap. His ability to finish strongly inside the final furlong makes him a possible late‑run threat.
Pride Of Nepal, a Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, carries top weight after a strong run of four consecutive victories earlier in the season, including a course‑and‑distance win at Chepstow in June. Though he was disappointing at Epsom, his earlier form suggests he could still pose a challenge if he settles well and makes a late run. Overall, the Prix Maurice de Gheest promises an exciting contest between established Group One talent and emerging sprinters eager to prove themselves on an international stage.
True Love's blend of speed, stamina, and top‑class jockeyship makes her the clear favourite, but the field is deep enough that any of the well‑prepared runners could upset the odds. The race will be a key indicator of how the leading three‑year‑old fillies and colts will fare in the remainder of the European sprint season, and it will also provide valuable insight for breeders looking at future broodmare and stallion prospects.
Sky Sports Racing will bring the action live to viewers, offering an up‑close look at the tactics, the pace, and the final sprint that will decide who lifts the prestigious Maurice de Gheest trophy at Deauville.