Paul de Moussac Longines: National Service did his duty

Friday, June 19, 2020, Chantilly. - The 2020 Prix Paul de Moussac Longines (Gr3), for 3-year-old colts and geldings, looked wide open. So were the final stages of the mile race. The favourite Kenway (Galiway), previously fifth in the French Guineas, seemed well on his way to take over National Service (Elusive City) when his saddle slipped, which made him jump near the post, losing momentum and his chance to grab the trophy. He was still second, just holding Charlesquint (Showcasing), convincing at this level after finding himself short of room at the crucial stage.

Brave Shiina (Bated Breath) ran on well from the rear a length behind the top three with King Pacha (Cheer). Oftenwork (Maxios) faded after leading.

The winner had been supplemented to run. This gelding had won for his debut on the Chantilly all-weather, beating a horse who won after that. Second at Saint-Cloud for his comeback on May 19, beaten a head by King Pacha, whom he found here, after having led, he was going up in category but this comeback seems to have been very profitable for him.

The colt was bought for € 28,000 at the Deauville yearling sales in October 2018, when consigned by Anna Sundstrom (Coulonces Sales). His dam is the winner of eight races in Great Britain and the Czech Republic. She gave two winners before National Service, his last foal to date.

Kenway trainer Frédéric Rossi also saddled the 2-year-old Sealiway (Galiway), winner of the Prix d'Halatte on Friday. It was a class 2 race over 6 furlongs but the colt had a hard time winning again after his impressive debut.

Also on Friday, Alocasia (Kingman) won the Prix Marchand d'Or (L) over 6 furlongs. This Khalid Abdullah homebred finished second to Commonwealth Cup (Gr1) scratched fancy Wooded in the Prix Texanita (Gr3).