Light Infantry on Golden Eagle path after G1 placing in France

Following consecutive second-placings in Group 1 races in France, Australian-owned Light Infantry will head towards the AU$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) in October.

The lightly raced colt by Fast Company finished second to Inspiral in Sunday’s Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois (1600m) at Deauville with Jamie Spencer in the saddle.

Racing in Colin McKenna’s green and blue silks made famous by Jameka, Light Infantry is also part-owned by Ozzie Kheir and John O’Neil.

That group of owners has only been in the horse for one race, purchasing shares after he ran second on July 10.

Current trainer David Simcock will continue training Light Infantry for his Australian spring campaign, before the horse returns to the northern hemisphere next year for Royal Ascot.

“Very proud of the horse, very pleased,” Simcock told Sky Sports Racing post-race.

“The mile was always going to suit him better, but he’s run his heart out, personal best and couldn’t be happier.”

Despite Simcock being proud of the horse for a gallant second in a race which included superstars like Coroebus, Order Of Australia and 2021 Cox Plate (2040m) winner State Of Rest, the trainer concedes it was a little bit frustrating to go so close and not come out on top.

“That’s racing, isn’t it?” the trainer said.

“There will be plenty of stories like that, but I’m just happy that we’ve got here, we’ve run well and picked up a nice prize – onwards and upwards.

“The likelihood is we will probably go straight to the Golden Eagle in Sydney in October. That will be his last run of the year, then he will come back, but the plan will be to go to Australia.”

Light Infantry is now on the second line of betting at +800 for the Golden Eagle on Bovada, with the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained Illation holding favouritism at +700.