Paco Boy notches Group One at Longchamp

Richard Hannon's Paco Boy ran out an easy winner of the Group One Prix de la Foret.

Settled at the rear by Christophe Soumillon as Duff set a brisk pace up front, his supporters were never anxious.

Natagora moved up menacingly a furlong out but once Soumillon, riding him for the first time, asked Paco Boy to quicken the response was immediate.

Hannon's son and assistant Richard jnr said: 'He loved that ground today and he's always been a trier.

'I thought he'd gone in his coat but he's done it very well.'

Soumillon said: 'I must thank Richard Hughes because he gave me good instructions on how to ride the horse. I hope he has the same feeling at Newmarket on Darjina later.'

He continued: 'He's unbeaten over seven furlongs and now he's won a Group One that takes care of his stallion career and we can look at other things.

'He deserved a Group One and while he was beaten fair and square here last time, he was a little keen and didn't have much room in the closing stages.

'The Breeders' Cup Mile is an option, the owners are keen but he might have done enough for this season.

'Seven furlongs is obviously his trip but he has limited options over that distance.

'I think he does stay a mile which means we can look at the likes of the Lockinge and QEII next year.'