The sun shone gently over the Hippodrome de Longchamp on September 7 as the crowd erupted in applause for a day of finely tuned performances and stirring finishes. From the trainer’s triumphant kisses to the jockeys’ exultant lifts of reins, it was a showcase not just of speed but of preparation, poise, and promise for the looming autumn contests, including the illustrious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Every race offered insight into potential stars, their handlers, and the owners readying for bigger battles ahead.
Race Highlights: Longchamp’s Nine-Race Card
Race 1: Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon (2000m, 1:58 pm)
HM Alchahine led from the front under Cristian Demuro, finishing in 2:11.58. Trainer Mme JF Bernard beamed, and owners Mr Helal Alalawi and breeders H. Mousli, Mme N. Mousalli celebrated. Luwsail chased gallantly for second, with Moshrif securing third.
Race 2: Qatar Prix Foy (2400m, 2:33 pm)
Byzantine Dream impressed with a 2:28.32 finish, expertly guided by Oisin Murphy. Trainer T. Sakaguchi, breeder Northern Racing, and owner Mme Kazumi Yoshida had reason to cheer. Sosie fought hard for second, while Almaqam completed the placings.
Race 3: Qatar Prix Carrus (1400m, 3:15 pm)
In a fast-paced sprint, Chaldero clocked 1:18.61 with Mickael Barzalona at the helm. Trainer M. Nieslanik and owner Mme Eva Nieslanikova relished the win. Skylight Brochard pressed for second, and Tortisambert ran on for third.
Race 4: Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (1600m, 3:50 pm)
Sahlan, steered by Mickael Barzalona, claimed victory in 1:35.39. Trainer FH Graffard and Al Shaqab Racing’s connections savored the result. Rosallion finished second, while The Lion in Winter secured third.
Race 5: Qatar Prix Vermeille (G1, 2400m, 4:25 pm)
A masterpiece by Aventure, finishing 2:29.34 with Maxime Guyon. Trainer C. Ferland and Wertheimer & Frere’s team were elated. Gezora finished second, and Bedtime Story took third.
Race 6: Qatar Prix Niel (2400m, 5:00 pm)
Cualificar crossed first in 2:30.56, ridden by William Buick. Trainer A. Fabre and Godolphin’s connections shared the moment. Bay City Roller and Parachutiste followed in order.
Race 7: Qatar Prix de la Place d’Estienne d’Orves (2200m, 5:35 pm)
Villa Castello dazzled in 2:17.6 under Mickael Barzalona. Trainer M. Baratti, breeder CTTSE de la Warr, and owner Al Shira’aa Racing celebrated. Hungry Heart pressed for second, with Princesse Saphir third.
Race 8: Qatar Prix de Saint-Nicolas (1400m, 6:15 pm)
Etel du Ninian, guided by Anthony Crastus, clocked 1:19.21. Trainer C. Guyon, breeder F. Blanche, and owner Mr Charles Guyon rejoiced. Torpen finished second, Light Wakeup third.
Race 9: Qatar Prix de la Cour du Chemin Vert Présenté par RMC (1400m, 6:50 pm)
Closing the card, Tremblant stormed home in 1:20.51 with Mickael Barzalona. Trainer S. Cerulis, breeder Juddmonte Farms Ireland Ltd, and owners G. Barbarin / Mme D. Ricard / H. Roux celebrated. Wind of Change and Les Trois Vallées completed the podium.
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