True Love enters the Deauville meeting as the market favourite for the 2026 renewal 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 filly, best known for her triumph in the 1000 Guineas, is now looking to add a prestigious sprint title to her already impressive résumé. The Sky Sports Racing feature for the day takes viewers straight to the historic French venue of Deauville, where True Love will lead the field in the coveted Maurice de Gheest. Although she was only narrowly beaten in her most recent outing – the Prix Jean Prat over a mile at the same track last month – she showed plenty of class, finishing a close second to the Jersey Stakes winner Thesecretadversary.
That performance confirmed that she possesses both the speed and the stamina required for the seven-furlong test, qualities that will be valuable when she eventually retires to become a broodmare. Wayne Lordan will take the reins for True Love in France, stepping in for Ryan Moore who rode the filly in previous engagements. Lordan’s experience on the European circuit and his familiarity with the Deauville course should give the connections confidence that the partnership will be smooth and effective. Among the other contenders, Stolen Kiss has emerged as a serious challenger after a dramatic improvement this season when his connections dropped him back to sprint distances.
The colt has already beaten last year’s winner Sajir on two consecutive occasions and produced a very tight fourth‑place finish in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Although he will be carrying more weight than True Love, his recent form suggests he could still test the favourite, especially under the guidance of French jockey Alexis Pouchin.
Wathnan Racing, fresh from a successful campaign at the Goodwood Festival, will be eager to add another Group One success to its record. Their entry is a son of Kingman trained by William Haggas and known simply as Division. Division has been close to the top end of the sprint hierarchy this year, finishing second in the Sandy Lane Stakes and third in the Commonwealth Cup, both times behind the formidable Venetian Sun. A respectable fifth‑place in the July Cup further demonstrates his consistency at the highest level, and the connections believe he has the ability to "pop up" and claim the Maurice de Gheest.
Samangan, while not a primary focus, remains in the mix. The horse was narrowly beaten in its last two starts by Division and True Love, indicating that a small improvement could see it become a factor. Take Charge Star, representing veteran jockey Johnny Murtagh, also merits attention.
The colt was only a neck behind Thesecretadversary – the horse that defeated True Love in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot – suggesting that he possesses the turn of foot needed to compete over seven furlongs. A late entry, Distant Storm, returns to the track after a long lay‑off since running in the Group Three Prix Daphnis in May.
While his recent form is unknown, the trainer will be hoping the break has refreshed the horse and that he can pick up a good run in a high‑class sprint. The broadcast also includes a series of additional racing news items. Hollie Doyle will be riding Constitution River in a Juddmonte showdown, while Kevin Blake offers his Ebor Festival tips for the opening day at York. Meanwhile, Sky Sports Racing will cover action from Chepstow, Lingfield and Wolverhampton later in the day.
Further highlights from the French racing calendar are mentioned, such as Rayif’s impressive comeback to win the Prix Jacques le Marois for trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard. Charlie Appleby, riding a son of Night Of Thunder, is targeting his first French Group One win since September, having previously placed in the Dewhurst and the 2000 Guineas.
The report also touches on other notable horses and their recent performances. Komorebi, who finished second in the French 2000 Guineas before disappointing over a longer distance in the Prix du Jockey Club, appears to be better suited to a mile and could be a serious contender if he repeats his earlier form.
Campacite, who was narrowly beaten by Komorebi in the French Derby, has shown promise in recent runs, particularly with a strong finish behind Hawk Mountain. Lord Clover, lacking a decisive turn of foot in the German 2000 Guineas, may still pose a threat based on his earlier French form. The coverage concludes with a look at the Chepstow card on Sunday afternoon.
Crimson Road, who won the Capital Windscreens Supports Chepstow Centenary Celebrations Handicap last month, is set to race again after being given a three‑pound weight increase for his previous victory. On his fourth start for trainers John and Rhys Flint, he demonstrated a powerful finishing burst inside the final furlong. Finally, Pride Of Nepal, a Tony Carroll‑trained gelding, will carry top weight in the upcoming race. Although the horse was disappointing at Epsom in its last outing, it had been in excellent form earlier in the season, stringing together four consecutive wins, including a dominant course‑and‑distance victory at Chepstow in June that completed a hat‑trick of successes.
The connections are confident that the horse will rise to the occasion and provide a strong challenge to Crimson Road. Overall, the Deauville meeting promises a thrilling sprint showdown, with True Love positioned as the favorite but surrounded by a deep and competitive field. The race will test speed, tactical acumen, and the ability to handle the unique French track conditions, making it a must‑watch event for racing enthusiasts worldwide.