Camille Pissarro, a Franco-Irish Friendship

Qatar Prix du Jockey Club

Camille Pissarro, a Franco-Irish Friendship

On Sunday, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (Group 1), the first leg of the Arc Races at Chantilly, was effectively decided well before the finish line: the three horses that would eventually fill the podium (Camille Pissarro, Cualificar, and Detain) were already well placed in ambush behind the two leaders (including the eventual fourth-placed Trinity College) a kilometre from the post, as they approached the long final bend that runs past the grand stables… In fact, among the top five finishers, the only horse to make up ground in the straight was the Aga Khan’s Azimpour, who came fifth ahead of his stablemate Ridari.

All the horses who came from the outside, often forced there by bad draw numbers, faded in the final straight. It's true that when high-class horses secure the rail, it's nearly impossible to make up ground on them.

Camille Pissarro is trained in Ireland at the great Ballydoyle training centre, overseen by Aidan O’Brien, but he clearly enjoys France, where he has claimed his best accolades: the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Group 1) at age 2 in October 2024 and a third-place finish in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Group 1) on May 11, 2025. He is also a son of the miracle stallion Wootton Bassett, who first rose to prominence in France and now stands at Coolmore Stud (Ireland), the stud farm for which Aidan O’Brien trains.

Another connection between France and Ireland (besides the horse’s name, a reference to one of the great French Impressionist masters): Camille Pissarro’s dam previously produced another Group 1 winner—Golden Horde… who now stands as a stallion in Normandy at the Haras de Montfort et Préaux!

It’s worth noting that in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains, Camille Pissarro was beaten by his stablemate and co-owned runner, Henri Matisse—also a son of Wootton Bassett and also named in tribute to a great French painter…

Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien—regarded by many as the best trainer in the world wins the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club.

The Qatar Prix du Jockey Club kicks off the Arc Races Circuit

A flagship event on the racing calendar, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club today marked the launch of the “Arc Races”, a new circuit of eight exceptional contests leading up to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The winners of these races earn a Wild Card for this ultimate autumn challenge.

With the Arc Races, France Galop offers a clear, compelling, and spectacular narrative thread to follow the greatest champions on their road to the Arc. This initiative is designed to captivate both seasoned racing fans and newcomers alike, keeping them thrilled throughout a season full of emotion.

This Sunday, June 1st, at Chantilly, the winner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, Camille Pissarro, secured his place in the "World Cup of Thoroughbreds," set to take place on Sunday, October 5th, at ParisLongchamp.

The official result

1st CAMILLE PISSARRO (R. Moore)

2nd CUALIFICAR (W. Buick)

3rd DETAIN (C. Soumillon)

4th TRINITY COLLEGE (W. Lordan)

5th AZIMPOUR (C. Lecœuvre)

Time: 2’04’’40. Margins: 1/2 – NK – SH – NK – HD.

Quotes

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Camille Pissarro (1st) and Trinity College (4th) – Ireland

“After the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains, when Christophe Soumillon got off the horse, he immediately told us to run him in the Jockey Club. He’s a miler… but he stays 2,000 metres, and that’s exactly what you need to win the French Derby. He’s a colt we’ve always really liked. Last year, he was our top chance for the Coventry Stakes, but at the time he was probably still too green. Over time, he toughened up, and we felt in the second half of the season that he deserved a run in the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère.

As for the rest of his programme, we’re taking it race by race. His owners will talk things through with the jockey, who will then get back to me… He has a lot of speed…”

Ryan Moore, jockey of Camille Pissarro (1st) – Ireland

“The race went very smoothly. I had a good draw, the pace wasn’t crazy, but the horse was very relaxed. When I asked him, he responded well. Christophe Soumillon taught me how to ride him!”

Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, co-owners of Camille Pissarro (1st) and Trinity College (4th) – Ireland

“It’s always a pleasure to come to France and win. When you’ve got a great horse, a great trainer, and a great jockey, life is easy!”

Louise Benard, Godolphin representative in France, owner of Cualificar (2nd) – Chantilly, Oise

“William Buick is really happy with the colt and thinks he could go over further in the future. He said the horse had a great temperament and was really straightforward during the race. It’s a very nice second place, behind a very good colt. It’s very promising going forward.

He’s entered in the Grand Prix de Paris (July 13), but we’ll have to see how he comes out of this race and how he works in the mornings. The decision lies with André Fabre.”

Barry Mahon, Juddmonte manager, owner of Detain (3rd) – England

“It’s a very good performance. We’re really happy with what he showed. Christophe Soumillon told us he believed in his chances for a few strides. But Ryan Moore and the winner slipped up the rail. And then the Godolphin runner came and took second from him.

Detain has a lot to look forward to this season. The 2,000-metre trip suits him perfectly. We could even consider 2,400 metres. We’ll stick to this type of race after a short break, as he’s had a busy start to the season.”

Nemone Routh, racing manager at Aiglemont, owner of Azimpour (5th) and Ridari (6th) – Chantilly, Oise

“We’re very happy with Azimpour. His draw didn’t help, but he produced a very good final straight. He came home strongly, but probably just a bit too late. I think he was the best finisher from the outside in the whole race.

Looking ahead, I think he’ll be better on softer ground, so probably more effective later in the year. He’s entered in the Grand Prix de Paris, but we’ll have to reassess, because the track is often a bit too firm for him at that time of year.

As for Ridari, he doesn’t really have any excuses. We’re wondering if he truly stays the 2,100 metres. Based on the Poule d’Essai form, he should have been just behind the first few. But today, he didn’t have the speed to finish off. He lacked something at the end! Maybe the distance is simply too long for him.”