It was a day that belonged to France at Newmarket, as Beauvatier surged through the misty October air to claim the Group Two Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes — marking back-to-back victories for French-trained contenders in the historic seven-furlong contest.
The emotional victory brought a wave of satisfaction for trainer Yann Barberot, who has long believed the talented Lope De Vega colt had more to give. Ridden with patient precision by Alexis Pouchin, the four-year-old came from off the pace to sweep past Poet Master (5-2) and win decisively by two and a quarter lengths. The triumph also gave Pouchin his first-ever win on British soil — a moment of pure joy and validation for the young jockey.
“This is a very special day,” said Alex Solis, representing co-owners LNJ Foxwoods SC. “It’s been a tough year for Beauvatier. He’s always had class, but he needed the right trip, a bit more distance, and cover to really show it. Today, everything clicked. He was very impressive.”
Barberot, who trains out of Deauville, echoed that sentiment, hinting that Beauvatier’s next move would depend on how he comes out of the race. “He’s maturing beautifully,” he said. “We’ll let him tell us where he wants to go next.”
Godolphin Strikes with Beckford’s Folly in Cornwallis Stakes
Earlier in the afternoon, Beckford’s Folly (16-1) produced a thrilling performance in the Group Three Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes, snatching victory from Brussels (9-5F) by a nose. The result came after a bold ride from William Buick, who guided the gelded son of Blue Point to a course-record time of 57.51 seconds.
Trainer Charlie Appleby praised the team behind the horse, noting the transformation since the gelding operation. “He’s always been talented, but difficult. Since being gelded, he’s just mentally settled,” Appleby explained. “Newmarket brings out the best in him — it’s his comfort zone.”
Appleby also hinted that Beckford’s Folly may travel to Dubai over the winter, but ruled out the Breeders’ Cup. “He’s still a bit quirky,” he smiled. “But maybe next summer, he could even shape into a July Cup horse.”
Calendar Girl Keeps Her Cool in Oh So Sharp Stakes
The final highlight of the afternoon came courtesy of Calendar Girl (6-5F), who added a Group Three Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes victory to her résumé after a tough battle with Mubasimah (11-2).
Trained by Owen Burrows for Kennet Valley Racing, the talented daughter of Advertise hit the front a furlong out and dug deep to prevail by a neck under Callum Rodriguez.
“She’s a dream to ride,” Rodriguez said warmly. “She relaxes, travels, and has the right temperament. She’s still growing and will only improve next season.”
Read more exclusive coverage and results from Newmarket’s Future Champions Festival on RaceBuzz.
