Diego Velazquez, a big name lives on in world racing!

The Prix Jacques Le Marois, sponsored for the first time by the Aga Khan Studs, went right down to the wire! Less than 100 metres from the post, Irish runner Diego Velazquez (Frankel) looked to have done enough after finally getting the better of Dancing Gemini (Camelot) in a thrilling duel that lasted more than 200 metres… but it was without reckoning on the extraordinary late burst of the English colt Notable Speech (Dubawi). Unlucky when trapped behind weakening rivals at the crucial stage, he flew home along the rail like a rocket, only to be denied by a nose.

For Christophe Soumillon, this was a fourth win in the race as a jockey, following his successes aboard Whipper (2004), Makfi (2010) and Excelebration (2012) — the latter also trained by Aidan O’Brien. For the Irish maestro, it was a second victory in Normandy’s greatest summer race.

Diego Velazquez carries one of the most famous names in international racing: Sangster.

Sam Sangster began his career in racing in 2007, when he moved to Australia to gain first-hand experience across the industry. Over the course of three years, he worked in every area of the business — from racecourses and stud farms to the sales ring alongside leading agents. During this time, he apprenticed under bloodstock agent Peter Ford, accompanying him to the major sales in Australia, America, and Europe.

On his return to the UK in 2010, Sam launched the media company Sirecam Europe, which has since grown into one of the best-known media providers in the international thoroughbred industry. A year later, he branched into racing syndication, collaborating with Group 1-winning trainers such as Brian Meehan, Charlie Hills, and Hugo Palmer, enjoying considerable success.

Sam comes from one of the most influential families in modern thoroughbred history. His father, Robert Sangster, was one of the three “Brethren” who founded Coolmore, alongside John Magnier and Vincent O’Brien. A pioneering figure in international racing and breeding, Robert Sangster owned and bred more than 100 Group 1 winners, including 27 European Classics. Legendary horses such as Sadler’s Wells, Alleged, Detroit, Golden Fleece, The Minstrel, El Gran Señor, Rodrigo de Triano, and Balanchine were among his champions, many of whom continue to shape the pedigrees of blue-blooded thoroughbreds around the world.

Sam’s brothers have also carried on the family tradition. Ben Sangster owns and manages Manton Stud, where he and his wife Lucy oversee a high-class broodmare band. Adam Sangster is principal of Swettenham Stud in Victoria, Australia, home to some of the country’s leading stallions.

Official Result

THE AGA KHAN STUDS PRIX JACQUES LE MAROIS 

1st DIEGO VELAZQUEZ (C. Soumillon)

2nd NOTABLE SPEECH (W. Buick)

3rd DANCING GEMINI (R. Ryan)

Time: 1’34’’23. Margins: Nose – ¾ – Neck.

Quotes

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Diego Velazquez (1st) – Ireland

“This is a breeding operation that produces very good two- and three-year-olds. And of course, he’s a superb model, a willing horse. His last run was very good and he really came to himself last week. The Minstrel Stakes have often proved an excellent stepping stone — it’s a sharp 1,400 metres, and you need to be sharp.

But he’s very courageous, yes. And if you think about Ballydoyle’s history, and the history of these colours with horses like The Minstrel… who could have imagined that we would have a horse running in Mr. Sangster’s silks? It’s just incredible, and I’m so delighted for Sam — truly thrilled.

In the closing stages, he didn’t enjoy being in front. Ryan said he was still very green, drifting away from the rail. He wasn’t really going on, and I suppose it was the first time he’d been put in that kind of environment, with such a big crowd, so he was just a little lost.

We thought he might be a horse for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Keeneland and then possibly the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He loves fast ground and he’s quick!

A lot of money has been spent this week on his stallion career. But sometimes money isn’t what matters. What they achieved today — you can’t buy that, those are memories.”

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Notable Speech (2nd) – England

“We’re delighted with how the horse ran. Of course it’s frustrating to be beaten by so little, but the most important thing is to see him back to his best. The mile is his optimum trip. We tried dropping him back last time; sometimes you need to experiment. We’ll probably go to Canada for the Woodbine Mile, and then head to the Breeders’ Cup.”

Roger Teal, trainer of Dancing Gemini (3rd) – England

“He really ran exceptionally well. The ground was probably a bit too quick, and perhaps he didn’t fully settle in the last 100 metres. But you know, it was still a top-class performance. Dancing Gemini had already beaten today’s winner three times before, on softer ground that suited us better — and that probably suited Diego more today. But once again he showed huge ability, and a Group 1 win will come soon.

He’s also entered at Ascot. But first, we’ll go to ParisLongchamp for the Prix du Moulin, hoping to find slightly easier going. That’s the next target. He doesn’t need it heavy, but just ground with a bit more give.

His new bit made him a bit keener early on. I don’t know why he couldn’t run in his usual bit — at home we use it all the time, and he’s even raced at Longchamp with it before.”

Christophe Lemaire, jockey of Ascoli Piceno (6th):

“She travelled well behind the leader. We were briefly boxed in when the sprint began, but then she couldn’t pick up again. More than the straight course itself, it was the uneven pace that didn’t suit her.”