WOODBINE offered its annual party for European invaders, hosting the 79th running of the Grade 1 Pattison Canadian International, the 60th running of the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes and the 44th edition of the Grade 2 Nearctic last Sunday.

Worldwide talent arrived. Worldwide talent prevailed. At least in the $1 million Canadian Invitational as Irish-bred, French-based Erupt scored by a length over British-bred/based Dartmouth and German-bred, American-based Wake Forest. Idaho, the Irish-bred favourite from Ballydoyle, failed to threaten the top spots, winding up fifth under Ryan Moore.

Bred and owned by the Niarchos family, Erupt broke a seven-race losing streak, dating back to the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris last July. Since that win the son of Dubawi travelled to Japan for the Japan Cup and Ascot for the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Francis-Henri Graffard was far from deterred, sending the four-year-old colt to Canada to register his fifth career win, sweeping to a length win over Hardwicke Stakes winner Darmouth.

Settled sweetly in fourth, Erupt held his position until turning for home when he slid past Dartmouth and pulled away comfortably under light right-handed urging. Stephane Pasquier guided Erupt, erupting at the finish in celebration. “It’s like winning a World Cup. It’s so difficult to find good horses and when you have one, to then keep him in a good way to be a top horse is very difficult. I’m proud to see him back today,” Pasquier said.

“I rode him every time. We won a Group 1 in France at three years old but it was a difficult start to this year. Today he came back very easily and I’m very happy to have found my horse again. I was a bit worried about my draw number but, voila, when you have luck, it is easy to win.”