Chênes: Ancient Rome extends his empire

Thursday, September 9, 2021, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). - Ancient Rome (War Front) won a third time in four races. The Prix des Chênes (Gr3) became his first black-type success. He was entered last Sunday in the Prix de la Rochette (Gr3) over 7 furlongs, but his handler André Fabre opted for the mile for the 2-year-old owned by the partnership made of Smith, Tabor, Magnier & Westerger.

The field of five was led by Claim the Crown (Acclamation) who crossed the Channel to contest his first Group race. Ancient Rome followed him all along. In the false straight, hostilities began. André Fabre’s trainee did not come off with a burst of speed but rather gradually accelerated until he crossed the post.

Last out of the starting stalls, Scherzo (Wootton Bassett) leaned on the rail to make his move and take second place. He had beaten Ancient Rome in Compiègne for their respective debuts. The leader Claim The Crown finished third, this time.

Winner with Cloth of Stars (Sea the Stars) and Akihiro (Deep Impact) of this event in recent years, André Fabre then built the program of these two by going through the Prix de Condé in Chantilly (Gr3, 9f) and then the Critérium de Saint-Cloud (Gr1) in November over 10 furlongs.

Ancient Rome's dam, Gagnoa (Sadler's Wells), was also trained by André Fabre after being bought by Michael Tabor from Aleyrion Bloodstock LTD following her Prix des Reservoirs (Gr3) win at 2 in 2007. Gagnoa is no other than the older sister of 2011 Derby winner Pour Moi (Montjeu). Gagnoa took three places at the highest level, in the Prix Saint Alary, the Prix de Diane and then the Irish Oaks.

Ancient Rome is the sixth foal out of Gagnoa, only mated to Dansili first and then War Front. Her full sister Etoile was a Group 3 winner in her first race, this time trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien.