€400,000 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Grand Critérium, Gr1) at ParisLongchamp: Rosallion back onto top shelf

Sunday, 1st October 2023, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris) – Recently defeated on a soft turf at Doncaster, English raider Rosallion (Blue Point) took control in the final furlong of the €400,000 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Grand Critérium, Gr1). Representing Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Rosallion edged out Irish runner Unquestionnable (Wootton Basset), who travelled behind the leaders after a strong start, and the favourite Beauvatier (Lope de Vega), who came from well behind after a bad trip. Front-runner Henry Adams (No Nay Never) held on for fourth place.

The course record was lowered to 1'18"23, breaking the previous 1'18"40 set by Naaqoos in 2008.

Victorious in his debut at Newbury in June, Rosallion later confirmed his form over 7 furlongs at Ascot before disappointingly finishing third as the favourite in the Champagne Stakes (Gr2) at Doncaster.

Bred by his owner in Ireland, Rosallion is the fourth foal out of Rosaline (New Approach), like his older sister Needle Lace (Golden Horn), a winner at 4 years old and unsold at €24,000 at the Goffs sales last February. Rosaline, also bred by Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, has never raced but is a full sister to Ajman Princess (Teofilo), winner of the Prix Jean Romanet (Gr1).