17 June 2018
Photo scoopdyga.com
On his first attempt at group at group level, the magnificent and highly regarded Wusool (Speightstown) proved a cut above his rivals in the Prix Paul de Moussac Longines (Gr3). The Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum-owned colt waited in second place before quickening into the lead in the final 400 metres. Under a hand ride, Wusool simply had to be pushed out by François-Xavier Bertras, as the colt put daylight between himself and his rivals. Magic Bibou (Panis) redeemed himself after his The Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Gr1) run by courageously clawing his way into second. Wind Chimes (Mastercraftsman), having been some way off the pace, finished well for third on the outside.
How the horses fared:
Wusool (1st) : After tracking the pacesetting Glendevon, who set a good tempo, he cruised into the lead in the final 300 metres, and won without so much as the flick of a whip.
Magic Bibou (2nd) :After taking up a handy position in third, he put in a solid effort in the straight by keeping on well for second, although he was never going to beat the winner Wusool.
Wind Chimes (3rd) : Slowly away, she raced in second last position and, after flattering briefly, she ran on in the middle of the track to take third.
Glendevon (4th) : Smartly into his stride, he set the tempo and kept on courageously for fourth once headed.
Infernal Majesty (5th) : After sitting in fifth, he was unable to get trouble the principals in the straight.
Merisi (6th) : Held up towards the rear, he was unable to make his presence felt.
Deemster (7th) : Never showed with a chance after bringing up the rear.
What the connections said:
François Rohaut (the trainer of Wusool, 1st)
"The track favoured the speed today and he had a very good leader {which to follow}. For the first time, he had his perfect ground, and he showed what he was capable of today. To do what he did today, he must be very good as conditions haven’t been right for ideal as regards working him at home. He has considerable scope for progress, especially as he he arrived at the stable very late, or August to be precise, after having growth problems. When you look at his very muscular physique, the penny really drops. He’s a very sweet colt and one which we can have the right to dream with. He has the physique and the pedigree which should enable him to become a very good horse. We didn’t run him in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains, as we thought that he was too inexperienced. We did the right thing, as, granted the ground that day, we probably would have withdrawn him. I think our patience will be rewarded."
François-Xavier Bertras (jockey of Wusool, 1st)
"He trotted up today as, in in simple terms, the ground finally came right for him. We were aware of his qualities and that is what we have adopted a softly softly approach. He’s very well regarded on the evidence on what he has already shown us. However, it was his quality rather than his maturity which came to the fore. He really is coming to himself. I think that the Prix Jean Prat is coming at the right time for him. However, I will leave it to my boss, François Rohaut, when it comes to deciding the colt’s programme!"
Bruno de Montzey (trainer of Magic Bibou, 2nd)
"He’s run a super race with no discernible excuses. Going into the race, I feared the winner and Wind Chimes. The race went well for him as it was run at a good gallop. Last time everything went wrong.
He missed the break in a race in which it wouldn’t have been possible to have come from the last positions, and he was also boxed-in. It was a race to forget. He had previously run very well in the Prix Djebel (Gr 3) on a heavy track and showed that he can act on all types of going. It’s the prerogative of good horses. The jockey opined that he
is tailormade for trips of 1400m or 1600m. We are going to sit down and study the programme. I’m not sure he will go for the Prix Jean Prat. We are very happy as his his lovely story considering that that he was bought by a small breeder. He is born to race."
Matthieu Legars (the spokesman of the owners of Wind Chimes, 3rd)
"Granted the way she started, it was always going to be a little difficult granted where she was drawn. She found herself some way off the pace before finishing fast. The filly took time to hit her full stride and, despite finishing well, she simply had too much ground to make up. She deserves another chance to prove herself."
The roll of honour
Year Winner Trainer Owner Jockey Time
2018 Wusool F. Rohaut Hamdan Al Maktoum F.-X. Bertras 1’35’’35
2017 Trais Fluors A. Fabre SCEA Haras de Saint Pair V. Cheminaud 1’37’’65
2016 Zelzal J.-C. Rouget Al Shaqab Racing G. Benoist 1’35’’43
2015 Almanaar F. Head Hamdan Al Maktoum T. Jarnet 1’35’’32
2014 Charm Spirit F. Head Cheikh Abdullah
Bin Khalifa Al Thani O. Peslier 1’35’’82