Sunday promises a packed schedule of thoroughbred action across three venues – Brighton, Worcester and the French classic ground of Deauville – all streamed live on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the day will be the Group One Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, where the brilliant three‑year‑old filly Diamond Necklace will lead a high‑class field. Diamond Necklace, trained by the legendary Aidan O'Brien, arrives at Deauville unbeaten in six starts, four of which have come at the top‑level. Her most recent triumph was a commanding victory in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, where she displayed the turn of foot and stamina that have made her the benchmark for her generation.
Going up against older horses for the first time, she is poised to extend her winning streak to seven in a row, and the betting markets will undoubtedly reflect the confidence many have in her ability to dominate the Group One test. Joseph O'Brien, the son of Aidan and a rising star in his own right, will have a strong contender in Rebel Moon, who is partnered by jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. Rebel Moon attracted attention when she finished fourth in the Irish Oaks, a race that often highlights future Group One talent. While she fell short of the podium in that event, the performance suggested she possesses the class to improve, and the Sumbe Prix could be the stage where she finally translates that promise into a win.
Among the older mares, the 2023 Prix Vermeille champion Aventure, trained by Christophe Ferland, looks the most likely challenger to Diamond Necklace. Aventure’s form has been slightly patchy; she appeared off‑colour in her recent outing behind Calandagan at Saint‑Cloud, but her Group Two victory in May remains a clear indicator of her ability. If she can rediscover that best form, she could provide the only real test for the O'Brien filly. The rest of the field is rounded out by solid performers such as Red Letter, who is currently rated the best of the remaining runners and should not be underestimated.
Red Letter’s consistency at the Group level makes her a valuable each‑way option for punters looking for value beyond the favorite. The day also features a spectacular renewal of the Sumbe Prix Morny, a prestigious two‑year‑old sprint that will see eight juveniles compete for a coveted Group One title. Among the contenders are Orthodox and Man’s Best Friend, both of whom have shown early speed and potential for further development.
Man’s Best Friend, another Aidan O'Brien trainee, is the stable’s third runner in the Morny and is partnered by the experienced Ryan Moore. After a modest fourth‑place debut, the colt progressed quickly, securing a maiden at Naas before delivering a decisive victory in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. That rapid improvement suggests he could be a serious threat in the sprint, especially if he continues to mature.
Great Barrier Reef, a promising colt who captured the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier in the season, has encountered a minor setback in training. While the issue appears manageable, market observers will be watching his odds closely to gauge whether the setback will affect his performance in the Morny. Orthodox, the Norfolk Stakes winner, is another juvenile to watch. Trained by Clive Cox, Orthodox displayed a blistering turn of foot over five furlongs, and the step up to six furlongs in the Morny should suit his speed‑stamina blend.
His ability to sustain a high cruising speed could make him a front‑running threat. Senorita Bonita, who out‑pointed Libertango at Newmarket in her most recent start, will also be in the mix. Having already shown she can handle the pressure of a high‑profile race at York, she will be looking to add another win to her résumé and could pose a genuine challenge to the more fancied horses.
For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories, Sky Sports Racing’s mobile platform offers a convenient way to access all the content on the go. Back in England, the Brighton Summer Series Final will provide a fiercely competitive finale to the series, with the Blackmore Equestrian Construction Handicap scheduled for a 3.50 pm start. Arnaz, representing trainer Mark Loughnane and ridden by his son Billy, arrives in good form after two victories at Chepstow. The younger Loughnane’s confidence and recent success make him a horse to watch in this warm‑weather contest.
Other notable entries in the Brighton handicap include former winners Diomed Spirit and Big Time Rascal, both of which have shown the ability to perform well under a range of conditions and will likely attract each‑way bets. Top‑weight Prefer The Sister also commands respect, having led the field in each of her last five starts and demonstrating a consistent ability to stay on strongly. The day’s schedule also includes a series of French Group Two contests at Deauville.
At 12.58, the Prix du Calvados will feature Dee’s Funny Girl, a filly trained by Donnacha O’Brien, who will be looking to add a Group victory to her record. Later, at 1.33, the Prix Kergorlay will see Santorini Star, a popular entry, take on Joseph O’Brien’s Defiantly, setting up an intriguing clash between two promising three‑year‑olds. Finally, at 4.20, Brighton will host a Class Four race where Sea Suite is expected to lead the field, providing a solid opportunity for connections seeking a win at a more modest level. Overall, Sunday’s racing card offers a blend of top‑class Group One action, promising juvenile sprint contests, and competitive handicaps, ensuring that fans of all levels will find something to enjoy.
Whether you are tracking Diamond Necklace’s quest for a seventh straight win, hoping for an upset in the Morny, or simply looking for a thrilling handicap showdown, Sky Sports Racing has you covered with comprehensive live coverage, expert analysis and the latest updates throughout the day.