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.