Our Jonathan

Kevin Ryan's Cornwallis Stakes winner Our Jonathan ran out an impressive winner of the Group Two Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte.

Jamie Spencer found himself in front in the early stages of the contest, but was joined by Ascot Glory after a couple of furlongs.

Despite racing on a much softer surface than he had previously encountered, the colt showed his customary turn of foot to put two lengths between himself and the chasing pack, coming home in splendid isolation.

"It was a very good performance as the ground is very heavy and I was worried about it beforehand," said Ryan.

"His class got him through, but Jamie did brilliantly as he's taken the bull by the horns and let him stride on. He was relaxed before the race and settled well during it, which allowed him to quicken nicely at the end.

"The owner is down in Australia as he had a runner in the Melbourne Cup, so we will have to wait until he returns before we make any plans for him. He's a very good horse."

Robert Cowell's Absolute Music had to settle for second behind impressive winner Lixirova in the Group Three Prix Miesque.

Spencer settled the Ripon scorer just off the pace in a perfect position and moved out to challenge a furlong from home, but Lixirova, trained by David Smaga and ridden by Gregory Benoist, quickened clear to win comfortably.

The British raiders were out of luck in the Prix De Seine-et-Oise, with Richard Fahey's Knot In Wood, Chris Wall's Royal Rock and Ryan's Advanced all unplaced.

The home team produced a clean sweep, Criquette Head-Maarek's Dunkerque coming home clear of Salut L'Africain and Blue Cayenne.