Sky Sports Racing brings viewers a packed day of racing on Sunday with fixtures across Brighton, Worcester and Deauville, headlined by the unbeaten Diamond Necklace in a Group One showdown.
3.25 Deauville – Diamond Necklace bids for seventh consecutive victory
The spotlight falls firmly on Diamond Necklace as Aidan O'Brien's three-year-old filly lines up in the Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, a 2,000-metre Group One contest worth €400,000 for fillies and mares aged three and upwards. The race is scheduled for 15:25 at Deauville on Sunday 23 August 2026.
O'Brien's charge arrives at the track with an unblemished record across six starts, four of which have come at the highest level. Her most recent triumph came in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood last month, where she delivered a dominant display. Now she faces the challenge of taking on her elders once again, with the prospect of extending her winning streak to seven.
According to Sporting Life's racecard, Diamond Necklace was the market leader in the betting, with odds of 1/3 or 1/2 depending on the bookmaker. She carries 56kg and has drawn stall 2 on the racecard, with prize-money of €198,747.83 available to the winner and €79,513.04 for second place.
Joseph O'Brien saddles Rebel Moon, who will be ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle. The filly caught the eye when finishing fourth in the Irish Oaks and may prove capable of a stronger showing in this company.
Aventure, trained by Christophe Ferland, represents the main danger. Last year's Prix Vermeille winner was not at her best when beaten by Calandagan at Saint-Cloud, but her Group Two victory in May suggests she remains a formidable opponent on her day.
Red Letter rounds out the main contenders in what Racing Post's racecard lists as an 11-runner field.
2.50 Deauville – Orthodox and Man's Best Friend headline Prix Morny
The Sumbe Prix Morny offers a stunning renewal with Orthodox and Man's Best Friend among eight runners competing over six furlongs.
Aidan O'Brien fields three runners, with Man's Best Friend emerging as Ryan Moore's mount of choice. The colt finished fourth on his debut before stepping forward to win a maiden at Naas. He then delivered a ready victory in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, form that positions him squarely in contention with the promise of further improvement to come.
Great Barrier Reef experienced a setback following his Coventry Stakes success at Royal Ascot and warrants close monitoring in the betting markets.
Norfolk Stakes winner Orthodox, trained by Clive Cox, presents a fascinating proposition. The colt stormed clear over the demanding five-furlong trip at Royal Ascot, and the step up to six furlongs should pose no problems for his progression.
Senorita Bonita arrives on the back of a victory over Libertango at Newmarket on her most recent outing. With that rival subsequently scoring at York this week, the filly must command respect in the market.
3.50 Brighton – Arnaz seeks hat-trick in competitive handicap
The Brighton Summer Series Final takes shape in the form of the Blackmore Equestrian Construction Handicap at 3.50pm, presenting a fiercely competitive contest.
Arnaz, trained by Mark Loughnane with his son Billy in the saddle, arrives in excellent form following back-to-back victories at Chepstow. The gelding should remain a factor despite stepping into warmer company.
Several runners hold each-way appeal, with recent winners Diomed Spirit and Big Time Rascal commanding particular interest. Top-weight Prefer The Sister deserves respect having hit the front in two of her last five starts.
Sea Suite, which topped the Class Four field at 4.20pm on the same card, continues to feature prominently in the Brighton Festival of Racing schedule.
Best of the rest
The Deauville card offers additional Group Two action with the Prix du Calvados at 12.58, where Dee's Funny Girl represents Donnacha O'Brien. The Prix Kergorlay follows at 1.33, with Santorini Star expected to prove popular and Defiantly running for Joseph O'Brien.
What happens next
The Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet is scheduled to run on Sunday 23 August 2026 at 15:25, with the Prix Morny also taking place on the same Deauville card. Results will be posted on PMU result pages following the conclusion of racing.
