Technician (3c Mastercraftsman – Arosa, by Sadler’s Wells) confirmed himself as a top-class stayer when capturing the Group 1 Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp.

Placed on his sole juvenile start, he has been hugely progressive this season, from winning his maiden impressively to winning three Stakes prizes, the latest coming last time out in the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay. Reunited with Pierre-Charles Boudot, he raced in midfield for much of the way and was asked to challenge as they approached the three furlong pole. Staying on well, he led approaching the final furlong and ran on to beat the favourite Call The Wind by a length and a quarter.

The Ascot Gold Cup, won three times by the Barronstown-bred Yeats, may be on the agenda for Technician next season. Trained by Martyn Meade for Team Valor, Technician has proven a bargain buy by Dermot Farrington, who gave just €40,000 for the colt as a yearling. 

He is one of two Stakes horses out of Arosa, a black-type sister to two Group winners.