EAST Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison enjoyed his own Gallic celebrations on France’s World Cup-winning weekend as Marmelo landed the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil at Longchamp.

The five-year-old, who won at York last month on a rare start in this country, was back on his travels for the mile-and-six-furlong contest.

And, sent off the 9-10 favourite, he produced a storming display on Bastille Day by holding off fellow British raider Algometer by three-quarters of a length to claim the £65,575 first prize.

Marmelo, who had to survive a stewards’ inquiry after edging left in the closing stages, could now return to France next month in a bid to repeat last year’s win in the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville or tackle the Ebor Handicap at York.

A trip to Australia for another crack at the Melbourne Cup in November is then on the cards.

Morrison also struck on these shores when Geranium got off the mark with a neck verdict in a mile handicap at Kempton, with Oisin Murphy on board.

Why We Dream appreciated a big drop in class as she made the 574-mile round trip from Mick Channon’s West Ilsley yard to Carlisle pay off with a battling victory.

The three-year-old filly, who finished unplaced in the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out, claimed a mile novice stakes by a neck.

Channon’s own colours were carried to victory twice in the space of two days by Chynna at York and Fannie By Gaslight at Salisbury.

Franny Norton sported the trainer’s yellow and black silks as 16-1 shot Chynna gained her first win with a neck success in an extended five-furlong novice stakes on the Knavesmire.

And Silvestre De Sousa was in the saddle as 9-1 shot Fannie By Gaslight also got off the mark in a mile-and-a-quarter handicap at the Wiltshire track.

He had sent out another 16-1 winner earlier in the week when Chikoko Trail opened his account in a mile handicap at Pontefract under Graham Lee.