Racing: Brunel strikes lucky in Longchamp test

Brunel landed a share of first prize in the Prix de la Porte Maillot at Longchamp yesterday after lightning had knocked out the photo-finish equipment.

The William Haggas-trained colt, ridden by Darryll Holland, was adjudged to have dead-heated with the filly Coupe De Champe in the Group Three contest.

The result was something of a surprise to racegoers as the French challenger appeared to the naked eye and on TV replays to have got up in the dying strides.

The photo-finish mechanism was found to be out of action, however, apparently because it had been struck by lightning.

Brunel had established a clear lead in the seven-furlong race until Christophe Lemaire delivered what appeared to be a well-timed swoop down the outide.

The other British runner at Longchamp, Derby 11th Kings Quay, fared less well as he finished seventh of the eight runners in the Prix Daphnis won by Jean-Claude Rouget-trained Pinson.