Zarak, the first foal of the brilliant race mare Zarkava to make it to the races, has made a winning start to his career at Deauville.

Zarkava retired in seven races for trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre and owner-breeder the Aga Khan following a brilliant display in the 2008 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Ridden by Zarkava's rider Christophe Soumillon, 11-10 favourite Zarak eased to a comfortable victory in the Prix de Saint-Desir and is a 20-1 shot for next year's Epsom Derby.

"He was very impressive and we are thrilled with him," The Aga Khan's stud manager, Georges Rimaud, said.

"He had shown enough at home for him to start. The ground was heavy, but the horse answered every question.

"The jockey was thrilled and in the end, it was a simple operation.

"Zarak is Zarkava's fourth foal. She also has a yearling by Redoute's Choice and a Frankel filly.

"There is also the Galileo three-year-old (Zarkar), who has not yet raced."