First northern hemisphere Stakes winner for first-season sire Sidestep

Real Appeal clinches victory in the Listed Prix La Flèche at Maisons-Laffitte

Real Appeal added a first northern hemisphere Stakes success for his first-season sire Sidestep when taking the Listed Prix La Flèche at Maisons-Laffitte on Friday, 31 May.

A dual winner already in France for owner Theresa Marnane, Real Appeal tracked the leader and was shaken up in the final 200m to clinch victory by a head. Speaking after the race, Con Marnane suggested the G2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot will be the next target for the two-year-old colt.

Bred by Gestut Kussaburg and bought as a foal at Arqana by Con Marnane, Real Appeal is the second foal out of the winning Green Desert mare Runaway Sparkle. His third dam is the G3 Park Hill Stakes heroine Mistle Song.

A Champion two-year-old himself, Sidestep is already the sire of G1 Golden Slipper winner Kiamichi in his native Australia.