Swinburn returns to top grade

Walter Swinburn secured his first Group One success since coming back from injury last month when Pilsudski was the surprise winner of the pounds 146,396 Grosser Preis von Baden in Germany yesterday.

Pilsudski, trained at Newmarket by Michael Stoute, was sent off at 11- 1. The four-year-old defeated last year's winner, Germany, ridden by Frankie Dettori, by three parts of a length. Germany made the running until Pilsudski began to challenge Dettori's mount a furlong out and proved stronger in the final 100 yards. Pilsudski covered the mile and a half trip in course record-equalling time.

Swinburn said later: "It was a great effort. Pilsudski is clearly still improving and he can act on any ground."

Dettori said of Germany, who is now bound for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: "He has done everything right but I think that he would have done better still on a easier surface."

Clive Brittain's Luso, who had been expected to be Britain's main contender for yesterday's prize was injured and withdrawn on veterinary advice. He was one of three non-runners, including John Reid's mount, Hollywood Dream.

Book review,

The Race of My Life, page 13

RICHARD EDMONDSON

NAP: Natural Key

(Hamilton 3.45)

NB: Penny Parkes

(Hamilton 2.45)