A FIFTH British-trained pattern race victory of the nascent French season was registered when Sands Of Mali defied a 6lb penalty to land the six furlong Prix Sigy at Chantilly last Friday.

Trainer Richard Fahey reckoned that last season’s Gimcrack Stakes winner was going so well at home that it was worth travelling all the way from Yorkshire and that judgement proved accurate even though Sands Of Mali looked beaten on two separate occasions.

Having made the running, he was headed by Forza Capitano with two furlongs to run and went half a length down. He rallied to be back on top soon after the furlong pole, only to look sure to succumb to the flying finish of the 22/1 shot, Alistair.

Staying on resolutely through the heavy ground, Sands Of Mali pulled out a little extra to have a short-neck to spare at the winning post.

Reputation enhanced, the son of the unheralded French stallion Panis (who was also responsible for the runner-up) will now head to Haydock Park for the Sandy Lane Stakes prior to his main target, the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.