Formidable Irish challenge in Saint-Cloud Group Ones

National Stakes runner-up Proud And Regal looks to go one better when he lines up in the Criterium International on Group One afternoon at Saint-Cloud on Saturday.

Donnacha O'Brien’s Galileo colt was a stakes winner on just his second start when taking the Tyros Stakes.

He has made the podium in two top-class contests at the Curragh since, firstly when behind two nice colts of his father's in the Futurity Stakes, before finishing second to brother Joseph’s Al Riffa in his first taste of Group One action.

He now steps up to a mile – a distance his handler believes will see this consistent two-year-old thrive.

"He’s in good form, he ran well last time, and we now step up to a mile which we think will suit and we’re looking forward to it," said O’Brien.

"He’s run well in all his outings, and he did well to finish second in a Group One last time. He’s a great horse to have and hopefully he will run well."

A close finish but Al Riffa takes the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh