On Sunday, September 15, ParisLongchamp hosted a key race in preparation for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (October 6). In the much-anticipated Qatar Prix Vermeille, it was Bluestocking who made her mark with a solid victory, positioning herself as a leading contender for the Arc.
Over the classic distance of 1 ½ miles, Bluestocking, ridden by Rossa Ryan, displayed a combination of strength and endurance to win the only Group 1 of the day. The anticipation around the British filly was justified after her second-place finish in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Gr.1) earlier this summer. In a race set at a fast pace by Halfday (who finished eleventh), the leader for the Wertheimer stable, Bluestocking took up a favorable position from the start. She moved to the lead in the home stretch and had to work hard to fend off a strong challenge from Aventure, who had tracked her closely throughout and secured second place. Emily Upjohn, at five years old, showed she still has plenty to offer by finishing third in 2:31.72.
On Sunday, Bluestocking delivered a strong performance, crossing the finish line in 2:31.53, claiming her second Group 1 victory and her first in France. Tracking data reveals a notable acceleration over the final 220 yards, and she posted the fastest splits between the 880-660 yard and 660-440 yard marks. Over the course, she hit a top speed of 40.08 mph, with her fastest 220 yards coming in the penultimate section between 440 and 220 yards, showcasing her ability to maintain effort to the end. Though she was not initially entered in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Bluestocking may be supplemented after this impressive win. The bookmakers wasted no time in adjusting her odds, which shifted from 16/1 before the weekend to 10/1 shortly after the race.
Survie, who surprised by finishing second in the Prix de Diane Longines on June 16, could only manage seventh place in this race. After a strong start and reaching a top speed of 39.85 mph, her final section, despite a solid acceleration, was not enough to challenge the leaders. A respectable, though somewhat disappointing performance considering her previous races and reputation.
Other prep races for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Qatar Prix Niel (Gr.2) and the Qatar Prix Foy (Gr.2), also took place on Sunday, September 15.
The Qatar Prix Niel, traditionally a prep race for 3-year-old colts, featured a highly competitive field this year. The winner, Sosie, delivered a commendable performance. Although the 1 ½ mile distance is often a challenge for younger horses, André Fabre’s colt showed good management of his effort. He entered this race with the advantage of already having won over the same distance on similar ground (soft) during the 2024 Grand Prix de Paris. With an average speed of 35.1 mph, Sosie got off to an excellent start, staying just behind Look de Vega before accelerating in the final 440 yards to take the win.
Behind him, Delius, despite showing consistent form and partnering with Ioritz Mendizabal for the first time, was unable to close the gap, finishing just 0.24 seconds behind the winner. A horse still to watch for the big race: the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as his ability to maintain a strong pace is promising. Both horses finished ahead of Look de Vega, who had posted the best times over the first four sections of the race.
As for the Prix Foy, it marked the triumphant return of a proven champion: Iresine, after nearly three months off. This horse, who has already made history in French racing, once again demonstrated that he remains a serious contender for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Covering the 1 ½ miles in 2:34.15 at an average speed of 35.1 mph, Iresine successfully held off challenges from four rivals, including Continuous (a Group 1 winner abroad). Iresine’s top speed of 40.68 mph in the 440-220 yard section and his control of the final 440 yards make him a formidable competitor for the remainder of the season. The representative of Lyon-based trainer Jean-Pierre Gauvin now has three Group 2 wins to his name, including the Prix du Conseil de Paris and the 2022 edition of the Prix Foy. In Group 1 races, he has already claimed two victories: the Prix Royal Oak and the Prix Ganay, defeating the likes of Simca Mille, Bay Bridge, and Vadeni, under his regular jockey, Marie Vélon. All of this bodes well for the future of this seven-year-old champion.
Chloé Humbert
Crédit Photo : Scoop Dyga / France Galop