Blackbeard plunders Prix Morny at Deauville for Ballydoyle

Blackbeard got the better of Persian Force as Aidan O'Brien landed the Darley Prix Morny at Deauville for the fourth time in his career.

The No Nay Never colt was the Ballydoyle number one following his victory in the Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly last month.

The 270,000 guineas buy was away well in the six-furlong Group One and setting the pace alongside Amy Murphy's Manhattan Jungle in the early stages, as the five runners headed down the Normandy straight in two lines.

As the race developed, Frankie Dettori appeared to be travelling smoothly on Richard Hannon's Persian Force and was soon disputing matters with Blackbeard at the head of affairs.

The pair drew clear of Blackbeard's stablemate The Antarctic inside the final furlong, but it was the mount of Ryan Moore who pulled out extra when it mattered most to pick up the first prize.

The winner returned at an industry price of 6-4 and 13-10 on the PMU.

[DIRECT] @fgdeauville #Barriere @DarleyStallions Prix Morny -Finale des Darley Series (G1, 2, 1200m)