Aventure captures her first Group 1 and confirms her status as joint favorite for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

A classy performance from the Wertheimer & Frère filly

French champion Aventure (Sea The Stars) confirmed on Sunday, by winning the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Gr.1), her position as a very serious contender for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr.1), the world championship of thoroughbreds, which will be run on Sunday, October 5, at ParisLongchamp. She now shares favoritism for the Arc with the Irish filly Minnie Hauk (Frankel), who was absent from ParisLongchamp on Sunday, both quoted at 4/1.

For Aventure, as surprising as it may seem, this was only her first Group 1… despite often finishing just behind in her attempts, despite her immense class – particularly last year in both the Vermeille and the Arc, where she was runner-up on both occasions, each time behind the English filly Bluestocking (Camelot).

This first Group 1, she claimed without breaking sweat. Held up by her jockey Maxime Guyon, she calmly attacked the leaders, including Irish favorite Whirl (Wootton Bassett) and Marseille-based Ginalyah (Chachnak). Without the slightest urging, she gradually drew clear, winning with remarkable ease.

Further back, Prix de Diane Longines heroine Gezora (Almanzor) ran an excellent second, sensibly ridden given that she was making a big seasonal reappearance – absent since her Classic triumph on June 15.

In the final strides, Bedtime Story (Frankel) snatched third place on the line from Survie (Churchill), who had raced prominently throughout.

Official Result – QATAR PRIX VERMEILLE

1st AVENTURE (M. Guyon)

2nd GEZORA (M. Barzalona)

3rd BEDTIME STORY (W.M. Lordan)

Time: 2’29’’34. Margins: 1 ½ – 1 ¼ – Nose.

Quotes 

Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for Wertheimer & Frère, owners of Aventure (1st)
“She had long deserved her Group 1. These are always very tough races to win. Today, the field was small but of quality. It’s a real relief that she has now taken her Group 1. It’s wonderful. She did it fairly easily. We know Aventure is not at all inconvenienced by softer ground, which could be important in four weeks’ time.”

Christophe Ferland, trainer of Aventure (1st) – Chantilly (France)

“I was tense before the race because I wanted everything to go well! I can now approach the Arc with more serenity. It will be an important event for me, for the filly, for the Wertheimer family. Winning a Group 1 with her was very important, and the goal has been achieved. I made some choices, such as skipping the Jean Romanet at Deauville to target the Vermeille. She was exceptionally well. We’ll see her in the Arc, that’s for sure!”

Maxime Guyon, jockey of Aventure (1st)

“She really deserved to win a Group 1. She had been knocking on the door, always beaten by top-class horses. Her trainer chose to skip the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville to focus on the Vermeille, and it was the right call. Today, I won ‘à la mode’ (very easily)! She’s just fantastic!”

Francis Graffard, trainer of Gezora (2nd) – Chantilly (France)

“That was a very good performance from her on her return. She was beaten by a very good filly. Mickaël Barzalona said he couldn’t go past Aventure, but she finished strongly. The pace slowed down significantly at one stage, but Gezora is very straightforward and clearly stays the mile and a half. We’ll see with the owners, but she’ll be out again in four weeks, either in the Prix de l’Opéra or in the Arc. Personally, I would prefer the Arc. It will be quite an open race, and she’s the Prix de Diane winner… we have nothing to lose!”

Wayne Lordan, jockey of Bedtime Story (3rd) - Ireland

“I’m very pleased. She settled well. It was her first try over a mile and a half, and I thought she finished strongly. During the race she looked a bit flat, then suddenly she picked up. She can sometimes pull, so I made her relax. She ran a very good race, and I think her form ties in with that of the French filly who finished second [Gezora]. So she ran really well.”

Nicolas Clément, trainer of Survie (4th) – Chantilly (France)

“We’re pleased with Survie’s performance, even if we would have preferred to be third. It came down to nothing. But once again, she showed her fighting spirit. As for what’s next, nothing is decided yet: we’ll see how she recovers, but the Prix de Royallieu looks a suitable option.”

Aventure wins wild card for Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The Qatar Prix Vermeille is the seventh stage of the Arc Races, a new circuit of eight exceptional races whose winners earn a wild card for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

On Sunday 7 September at ParisLongchamp, the winner of the Qatar Prix Vermeille, Aventure, earned his place in the ‘world cup of thoroughbreds’, which will be contested on Sunday 5 October at ParisLongchamp.

With the Arc Races, France Galop offers a clear, easy-to-follow and spectacular way to follow the greatest champions on their way to the Arc. The series is designed to engage both enthusiasts and newcomers alike, thrilling them throughout a season rich in excitement.

QREC, the official partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The QREC was established in the early 1960s before achieving official recognition in 1975. It is mandated with representing, promoting and advancing equine and equestrian initiatives, from grassroots programmes to the international arena. Focused on equestrian sport and horse welfare, the QREC is dedicated to promoting Qatar as a world class hub for horse racing and a leader in the Pure Arabian breed.

The QREC works in collaboration with local bodies dedicated to achieving excellence in planning, regulation and the development of Qatar’s racing industry to reflect the world's best practices. The QREC has been partner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe since 2008, and from 2022, it also became the title partner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, one of the most important races for the selection of the breed.