Aidan O'Brien's Ciro finished third behind Kutub and Lord Flasheart in the Group Two Prix Noailles at Longchamp in France yesterday, beaten three and a half lengths by the winner. Walter Swinburn tried to make all on the Ballydoyle raider but was passed by Lord Flasheart halfway down the straight.
Alain de Royer Dupre's Blush Rambler colt held the lead briefly but was then passed by the 6 to 1 shot Kutub who came from last to first to take the prize. The winner is trained by Freddie Head and looks certain to play a major hand in this year's French Derby.
O'Brien, speaking at the Curragh, said of Ciro's defeat: 'I have spoken to Walter Swinburn who said the horse just got tired in the last furlong on ground that was very bad.'
