PARIS, Oct 13: French trainer Criquette Head-Maarek sent out the first and second in the Group One Prix de la Foret at Longchamp on Sunday.

Victory in the 1.4 km event went to Dedication, a near 7-1 chance, with Medecis edged out by a neck into second place in the 10-strong field.

The success was tinged with emotion for outgoing stable jockey Olivier Doleuze, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Ironically, Olivier Peslier, his replacement, rode Medecis.

Atavus made most of the early running, only for Dedication to take the lead 400 metres out and then fight off various challenges to scramble home in a thrilling finish. Godolphin’s Meshaheer did best of the three British raiders in sixth.

But there was better news for Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed in Milan where Frankie Dettori, on the crest of wave following Marienbard’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe success, continued in blinding form with a group double.—Reuters