3 October 2021
Photo scoopdyga;com
The finish of the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (Group 1), run over 1,000 metres, went to a photo. And it was the Irish raider Irish A Case of You who managed to take the spoils by a nose at the wire after pipping the home-trained Air de Valse, who had made most of the running! A Case of You gave his trainer Adrian McGuinness a first win at this level. He was ridden by Ronan Whelan, the champion Irish apprentice in 2012, and the author of his first Group 1 win in 2018 after guiding Skitter Scatter to victory in the Moyglare Stud Stakes. Britain’s Glass Slippers, the winner in 2019 and runner-up last season, was third on this occasion.
WHAT CONNECTIONS SAID
Adrian McGuinness (the trainer of A Case of You, 1st)
“It's amazing. This is my third Group 1 starter. I am so proud and lucky to have this horse. He will give me a heart attack! He's amazing. He's fantastic. That's why we go racing.”
Ronan Whelan (the jockey of A Case of You, 1st)
“He was magnificent in the last 200 metres. To have a winner here this weekend is a dream. After the post, I wasn't sure I'd won... I waited and watched the big screen. I didn't know if I should smile or cry!”
Corine Barande-Barbe (the trainer of Air de Valse, 2nd)
“She was giving weight all round at the beginning of the year, so it hasn't been easy. She likes this type of ground. She raced in cheek-pieces as it helps her get into her own rhythm. She's a great little mare! It's great to have a runner in a Group 1, with a mare that I've bred, partly own and train. You have to be positive!”
Kevin Ryan (the trainer of Glass Slippers, 3rd)
“Glass Slippers ran really well. We are very happy with her performance as she put in a great effort at the finish. Yet again she's concerned at the finish of this race - which is great."