IN 1979, Nureyev made his racing debut in the Group 3 Prix Thomas Bryon and came home six lengths clear. The following year, he was first past the post in the 2,000 Guineas before a cruel decision by the stewards to disqualify the colt and place him last after an incident which took place over two furlongs out.

Mate Story won the Thomas Bryon on October 5th but he may not emulate Nureyev, although certainly a smart son of Makfi. Christophe Soumillon made every yard of the running in the seven-furlong contest and the colt won with something in hand from the filly Dame Du Roi and North Thunder.

Mate Story is 50% owned by his trainer David Smaga and the Dublin-based company Aleyrion Bloodstock Ltd. “Christophe told me that he didn’t have to engage top gear,” disclosed Smaga before adding: “He will now run again over the course and distance in the Criterium International (Group 1). I am sure he will stay a mile in the future. It is a long time since I have had such a talented colt under my care. He made all today but will be even better held up for a late run.”

Bred at the Haras de Grandchamp, Mate Story made €90,000 at the Arqana August Sale in 2015, sold to Abdullah Saaed Al Maddah.