5 October 2019
Photo scoopdyga.com
Pierre-Charles Boudot had to muster all of his strength to push Technician (Mastercraftsman) to challenge Moonlight Spirit (Dubawi) at the furlong pole, the favourite of the Qatar Prix Chaudenay (Gr2), who seemed sure to win. The French jockey has now claimed his fourth victory of the day. Technician is trained by Martyn Meade for the syndicate Team Valor. The colt had previously come sixth in the St Leger (Gr1), the oldest of the English classics. He takes home his fourth win, after the most courageous fight of his career. The big outsider, Iskanderhon (Exchange Rate), trained in Russia, came in third.
Freddy Meade (Son of Martyn Meade, trainer of Technician, 1st)
"Technician is a good horse but last time in the St Leger, the ground was too firm. Today, the ground made the difference. On a soft track, he was more relaxed and displayed his great acceleration. This race was always his goal. The question mark remained over the distance. But he managed the 3.000m, which will open many doors in his future.”
Charlie Appleby (trainer of Moonlight Spirit, 2nd)
"He runs very well and true to his form. But he was beaten by a good colt who also loved this ground. William Buick gave him a very good race, there’s not much more left to say. I think we will let him rest awhile. It’s a colt for next year.”
Franck Panicucci (rider of Iskanderhon, 3rd)
"Today was a real performance, its great. Before this, we didn’t stand a chance, because he had just won a Class 2 in Lyon. His owners wanted to give it a try and flew over from Russia to see him. We thought the ground might be a disadvantage, but in the end, it was the opposite.”