PRIX DE L’OPÉRA LONGINES Barnavara brings joy to Jessica Harrington

Jessica Harrington is one of the few female trainers to have won multiple Group 1 races, both on the Flat and over Jumps — a rare feat in the racing world. In France, she had already made her mark with Alpha Centauri (Mastercraftsman), winner of the Prix Jacques Le Marois (Group 1) in 2018, and Albigna (Zoffany), successful in the Prix Marcel Boussac (Group 1) in 2019.

This Sunday, she struck again, thanks to Barnavara (Calyx), who travelled from Ireland to contest her first race in France — the Qatar Prix de l’Opéra Longines (Group 1). It proved a triumphant debut.

Coming off an impressive victory in the Moyglare Stud Blandford Stakes (Group 2) over 2,000 metres at the Curragh, Barnavara quickly took the lead at ParisLongchamp, setting a solid pace for her rivals. Keen yet well balanced, she maintained her advantage down the straight despite repeated challenges from her pursuers.

See the Fire (Sea The Stars) proved tenacious in her attempt to overhaul the winner but had to settle for second, while One Look (Gleneagles), who had been narrowly beaten by Barnavara at the Curragh in mid-September, produced a sharp late burst from the rear to complete the podium after a strong finish.

The official result

QATAR PRIX DE L’OPÉRA LONGINES

1st BARNAVARA (Sean Foley)

2nd SEE THE FIRE (Oisin Murphy)

3rd ONE LOOK (James Doyle)

Time: 2’05’’52 – Margins: Short Neck – Short Head – Short Neck

Quotes from connections 

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Barnavara (1st), Ireland

“She was fantastic, as she’s kept improving throughout the year, and once again today she’s stepped up another level. Her last two runs were particularly good — there was a little dip between them, but that day Shane couldn’t ride her.

She was really brave today; she fought them all off. She’s a filly with a huge stride who loves to go forward and set the pace. We haven’t made any plans yet, though some Japanese representatives came to speak to me about the Queen Elizabeth II Cup over there. Honestly, I don’t know. Today was the big target, and we hadn’t planned beyond it. We’ll sit down and work out what’s next.

She’s supposed to be sold, as that’s how the syndicate operates — they come in for two years and sell at the end of their three-year-old season.”

Kate Harrington, assistant trainer and daughter of Jessica Harrington, Ireland

“At the end of each three-year-old season, the Alpha Syndicate usually sells its horses, so she might go through the ring at the December Sale.

Her win today gives her an automatic ticket for the Filly & Mare Turf at the Breeders’ Cup. There’s also an option in Japan, and she’s entered for the Bahrain Trophy, which carries an excellent purse.

She keeps improving, so we’ll let the dust settle after today and see what happens.

It was her first time travelling abroad, and we decided to come a day early because of the storm — I think that extra day here really helped her. She’s shown today that she can travel and adapt beautifully, which is absolutely wonderful.”

Andrew Balding, trainer of See The Fire (2nd), Great Britain

“She ran very well and handled the ground perfectly. She could now head to the Breeders’ Cup.”

Patrick Twomey, trainer of One Look (3rd), Ireland

“We’re very pleased with her run. She performed really well and finished strongly — it’s an even better performance than last time.

Today’s winner had beaten her before, but she’s clearly improved since and showed that she’s still progressing. She lengthened beautifully in the closing stages, which makes me think she can stay a bit further.

We’ll consider several options, including the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, which might suit her, though nothing’s decided yet. She’ll probably stay in training next year. She’s comfortable over 2,000 metres and could easily go up to 2,200 metres.”

QREC, the official partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The QREC was established in the early 1960s before achieving official recognition in 1975. It is mandated with representing, promoting and advancing equine and equestrian initiatives, from grassroots programmes to the international arena. Focused on equestrian sport and horse welfare, the QREC is dedicated to promoting Qatar as a world class hub for horse racing and a leader in the Pure Arabian breed.

The QREC works in collaboration with local bodies dedicated to achieving excellence in planning, regulation and the development of Qatar’s racing industry to reflect the world's best practices. The QREC has been partner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe since 2008, and from 2022, it also became the title partner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, one of the most important races for the selection of the breed.

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