True Love enters the 2026 edition of the Prix Maurice de Gheest as the market favourite, with the race to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing at 3:40 p.m. The spotlight on Deauville this afternoon is firmly on the Group One sprint, where the 1000 Guineas champion will try to add another top‑level win to her impressive résumé.
The filly’s most recent run came in the Prix Jean Prat over a mile last month, where she was narrowly edged out at the finish. The race was won by Thesecretadversary, the Jersey Stakes victor, who proved a formidable opponent. True Love’s performance, however, demonstrated that she still possesses the turn of foot required for elite competition.
Having already secured the Cheveley Park Stakes over the same distance in September, she has proven she can combine speed with stamina, qualities that will serve her well both on the track and later as a broodmare. The Irish jockey Wayne Lordan will replace Ryan Moore for this French outing, taking the reins in what promises to be a tactical showdown. Another contender to watch is Stolen Kiss, a colt who has blossomed after being switched back to sprint distances.
His recent form includes back‑to‑back victories over last year’s winner Sajir and a razor‑thin fourth place in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, arguably the strongest performance in the field. Although he will be conceding weight to True Love, the experienced French rider Alexis Pouchin could extract a performance that challenges the favourite.
Wathnan Racing returns from a successful Goodwood Festival campaign, eager to add another triumph. Their entry is a son of Kingman, trained by William Haggas and known as Division.
Division has been close but not quite there this season, finishing second in the Sandy Lane Stakes and third in the Commonwealth Cup, both times behind Venetian Sun. A respectable fifth in the July Cup shows he can hold his own against the best sprinters, and a well‑timed run could see him seize the prize at Deauville.
Samangan, while not a primary threat, will need to improve to be competitive after being beaten in recent outings by Division and True Love. Take Charge Star, representing Johnny Murtagh, also merits attention.
He was only a neck behind Thesecretadversary – the horse that defeated True Love in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot – indicating he can match the top class present in this race. Distant Storm makes a return to the track after a long lay‑off since May, having last run in the Group Three Prix Daphnis. The colt’s fitness and form will be key factors to watch as he attempts to rediscover his best. Beyond the main event, Sky Sports Racing will feature several other stories.
Hollie Doyle will discuss Thunder Call’s role in the upcoming Shergar Cup at Ascot, while Kevin Doyle will profile a former Premier League striker turned jockey pursuing Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. In other news, Kalpana has bested Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. Charlie Appleby, in excellent form, sends a Night Of Thunder offspring to France seeking a first win since September. The colt, after a third place in the Dewhurst and another third in the 2000 Guineas, has shown consistency at the highest level.
The race’s form line includes Thesecretadversary’s Jersey Stakes win and Venetian Prince’s triumph in the Italian Derby, underscoring the depth of talent. Komorebi, who finished second in the French 2000 Guineas but faded when stretched out for the Prix du Jockey Club, appears to be better suited to a mile.
If he can replicate his earlier mile performance, he will be a serious contender. Campacite, who was narrowly beaten by Komorebi in the French Derby, also shows promise, especially after a solid run with Hawk Mountain in his penultimate start.
Lord Clover, lacking the necessary acceleration in the German 2000 Guineas, may still pose a threat based on his prior French form. Meanwhile, Crimson Road caps the Sunday card at Chepstow, aiming to repeat his recent win in the Capital Windscreens Supports Chepstow Centenary Celebrations Handicap. After a decisive move inside the final furlong on his fourth start for John and Rhys Flint, he has been assigned an additional three pounds but remains a strong candidate. Pride Of Nepal, despite a disappointing run at Epsom, entered the season on a high note, securing four consecutive victories, including a course‑and‑distance win at Chepstow in June that completed a hat‑trick.
Carrying top weight today, the Tony Carroll‑trained gelding will look to test Crimson Road and prove that his earlier form was not a one‑off. Overall, the Prix Maurice de Gheest promises a thrilling contest of speed, stamina, and tactical nous.
True Love, backed by the market and equipped with a top‑class jockey, is the horse to beat, but the field is stacked with proven sprinters and emerging talent. Whether the favourite can convert her class into victory or an upset awaits, the race will undoubtedly provide a showcase of some of the finest thoroughbreds in Europe, all under the bright lights of Deauville and the watchful eyes of a global racing audience.