€250,000 Ispahan: Anmaat wins first Gr1 in blanket finish

Monday, 29th May 2023, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). – In the absence of Onesto, who was declared a non-runner just hours before this Prix d’Ispahan (Gr1), we witnessed an exceptionally close finish, as five horses finished within less than two lengths of each other. The last-minute favourite, Anmaat (Awtaad), edged out an astonishing Facteur Cheval (Ribchester) and the English frontrunner Light Infantery (Fast Company), at the very end. Having travelled behind the leader, the Irish raider Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock) came by early in the straight. Still, he couldn't sustain his effort to the end and had to settle for fourth place, just ahead of Erevann (Dubawi), who ran on well after travelling too far behind.

Only Junko (Intello), who became upset after being cut off at the start of the race, gave way in the final phase.

Anmaat is a 5-year-old gelding who has finished on the podium in his twelve outings and won seven times. This is his first Group 1 victory, after a win at Group 3 level last year at Haydock, and in the Prix Dollar (Gr2).

Shadwell purchased Anmaat, a 5-year-old gelding, as a weanling for £140,000, putting him up for sale at the end of his 3-year-old season before he ascended to a higher level. Anmaat's yearling sister was sold for £300,000 to Manor House Farm last October. Anmaat is now the best performer among his siblings, including seven winners.