Racing Post.....
French derby hero to retire
by Desmond Stoneham
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JOCKEY Olivier Peslier and trainer Jean-Marie Beguigne on Friday paid tribute to Prix du Jockey-Club winner Lawman, who has been retired to stand at stud in Ireland.
The son of Invincible Spirit gained a famous success in the French Derby under Frankie Dettori, completing a fantastic weekend for the rider who had won at Epsom on Authorized the previous afternoon.
Dettori was in the saddle at Chantilly only because regular rider Peslier was claimed by the Wertheimer brothers, but the Frenchman was back in the saddle when Lawman completed back-to-back Group 1 wins by thrashing a useful field over 1m in the Prix Jean Prat.
“He was a very good racehorse who improved with every outing,” said the rider. “He was a tough individual with anoutstanding turn of foot and you could employ all kinds of tactics on him.”
Lawman's final race was a disappointment, however, as he ran well below form behind Manduro in the Prix Jacques Le Marois, after which he was found to be suffering from a minor liver problem.
Now he has been purchased by Ballylinch Stud and will be syndicated to enter stud next year.
“Lawman was the best colt I've ever trained,” said Beguigne. “I am very sad to lose him at such an early stage in his career.”
Kieren Fallon also had a bit part in the Lawman story, as he rode the colt when he made a winning debut at Saint-Cloud. As he jumped Lawman, he told Beguigne: “You will win a French derby with this horse!”
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