Thesecretadversary captured the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville on Sunday, executing a flawless front-running performance to defeat a highly touted Classic field. The 7/2 favorite held off Aidan O’Brien’s true Classic contender True Love by half a length, stopping the clock at 1:22.17. Christopher Head’s Nighttime secured third to round out the podium.
The victory directly follows the colt’s recent Group 3 success in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. Stepping back down to seven furlongs proved to be the exact adjustment needed. Thesecretadversary previously struggled over the mile distance in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas earlier this season, but Sunday’s tactical shift unlocked his elite cruising speed.
Jockey Christophe Soumillon dictated the race from the moment the gates opened. The veteran rider took the lead from the stands’ rail after a sharp break, a move authorized by trainer Fozzy Stack who anticipated a severe lack of pace from the rest of the pack. That choice paid off instantly, resulting in a wire-to-wire victory that neutralized the late finishing kicks of his rivals.
For Stack, the result carries heavy historical weight. This marks his first European Group 1 success since taking over the training license from his father, Tommy, in 2017. His only previous victory at this elite level came internationally with Aspen Grove at the 2023 Belmont Oaks in the United States. Sunday’s result firmly establishes his operation among Europe’s absolute elite.
Soumillon also added to his own extensive resume. This marks his third career victory in the Prix Jean Prat, following wins aboard Thunder Snow in 2017 and Woodshauna in 2025. It stands as his first Group 1 victory of the 2026 season. The winning colt campaigns for South African breeder Gaynor Rupert’s Cayton Park Stud in a partnership with Mrs. John Magnier.