Sunday’s racing schedule promises a packed programme, with live coverage from Brighton, Worcester and the French venue of Deauville 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 Aidan O'Brien, arrives at Deauville unbeaten in six starts, four of which have come at the highest Group One level.
She most recently delivered a dominant performance in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, and now she steps up once again to take on older horses in the French contest. Her connections are confident she can extend her winning streak to seven consecutive victories, and the betting markets reflect her status as the clear favourite. Also featuring in the Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet is Rebel Moon, a spirited filly under the guidance of Joseph O'Brien and ridden by Dylan Browne‑McMonagle.
Rebel Moon impressed when she finished fourth in the Irish Oaks and many believe she still has untapped potential that could see her challenge for a top‑three finish in this race. Aventure, the 2023 Prix Vermeille winner, will be a serious threat for Christophe Ferland. Although she may have been a little off the pace in her recent run behind Calandagan at Saint‑Cloud, her Group Two triumph in May suggests she possesses the class to cause an upset. Among the remaining runners, Red Letter is regarded as the most credible challenger after the favourite.
The programme also includes a thrilling renewal of the Sumbe Prix Morny, a prestigious sprint for two‑year‑olds. The field of eight features Orthodox and Man’s Best Friend, both of whom have shown considerable promise. Aidan O'Brien will have three entries in the Morny, with Man’s Best Friend being the primary hope for Ryan Moore. After a modest fourth‑place debut, the colt progressed quickly, securing a maiden win at Naas before taking the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood in impressive fashion.
This rapid improvement places him firmly in contention, and observers anticipate further development as the season unfolds. Great Barrier Reef, a former Coventry Stakes winner from Royal Ascot, suffered a setback and will be closely watched in the betting markets to see if he can rediscover his earlier form. Orthodox, the Norfolk Stakes victor, is another intriguing prospect for trainer Clive Cox. Having dominated a demanding five‑furlong contest, the step up to six furlongs in the Morny should suit him well, and many expect him to be a front‑running contender.
Senorita Bonita, who outperformed Libertango at Newmarket in her most recent outing, adds further depth to the field. With a win at York earlier in the week, she is a horse to be feared by the competition.
In addition to the French races, Sky Sports Racing will broadcast the Brighton Summer Series Final, highlighted by the Blackmore Equestrian Construction Handicap at 3.50 pm. Arnaz, representing Mark Loughnane and ridden by his son Billy, arrives in good spirits after two victories at Chepstow and is expected to be a strong contender in the warm‑weather contest. Several other horses carry each‑way chances, notably recent winners Diomed Spirit and Big Time Rascal, both of whom have shown consistency in recent outings. Top‑weight Prefer The Sister also commands respect, having been placed in the first two positions in each of her last five starts.
For viewers who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories, Sky Sports Racing offers a dedicated mobile platform that delivers breaking news and in‑depth analysis straight to your phone. The card also includes a series of important French Group Two contests: at 12.58 pm, the Prix du Calvados sees Dee’s Funny Girl, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, take to the track; at 1.33 pm, the Prix Kergorlay features Santorini Star, a popular choice, while Defiantly will represent Joseph O’Brien.
Finally, back in England, the Brighton meeting will showcase Sea Suite, who tops a Class Four field at 4.20 pm, adding another layer of excitement to a day that promises high‑quality racing across borders.