Brave Ajaya beaten only a head in Prix Robert Papin

Ajaya: homebred ran close second in the G2 Prix Robert Papin for William Haggas

Homebred Ajaya was very brave in defeat on Sunday when falling only a head short in the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte for William Haggas.

The son of Invincible Spirit, bred at Blue Diamond Stud out of Nessina, was prominent all the way under Christophe Soumillon and battled back when headed by the eventual winner Gutaifan.

Ajaya was still closing again as they hit the line and was level with the winner just yards after. The pair pulled two lengths clear of the third Areen.

It was the fourth start for Ajaya, who ran out the impressive winner of his maiden earlier this month at York.

So dominant was his victory that day that James Willoughby recently commented in the TDN: “Two maiden winners for Newmarket trainer William Haggas sure to make their mark at a higher level are…Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar’s Ajaya, who was very impressive on his third start at York.”

Ajaya (left at home in Newmarket; pic courtesy of Somerville Lodge) is the first foal out of Nessina, who joined the stud when purchased by Tony Nerses carrying the colt for 300,000gns. The daughter of Hennessy is a half-sister to Listed winner Tantina, dam of the top-class pair Cityscape and Bated Breath, and out of Grade 2 winner Didina.

This is a top-class Juddmonte family that goes back to Monroe, dam of Xaar.

Nessina has a yearling colt by Oasis Dream, a colt foal by Mastercraftsman and is in foal to Dansili