QATAR PRIX DE L’ABBAYE LONGCHAMP LONGINES Asfoora, the great Australian traveller, claims the straight-course sprint at ParisLongchamp

The connections of Australian champion Asfoora (Flying Artie) had hesitated for a while between running in Ireland’s Flying Five Stakes and Sunday’s Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines at ParisLongchamp — and they made the right call, as the seven-year-old mare absolutely cruised home in the famous straight-course sprint over 1,000 metres in Paris!

Patiently ridden under cover in fifth place along the rail, she was switched out at the decisive moment by Oisin Murphy and swept past Jawwal (Wooded), who had seemed on his way to glory. She’s Quality (Acclamation) finished third.

During the post-race press conference, trainer Henry Dwyer put on a characteristically humorous show: “It’s extraordinary to win a race here during Arc weekend! Last year, we introduced Asfoora to Europe by racing only in England. But this year, we wanted to try something new. We had already thought about running in the Abbaye last year, but she ran too poorly at York and it would have been too much for her. This year we went for a slightly different programme. Obviously, the ground helped us today. That’s also why she didn’t run well at the Curragh — the ground didn’t suit her.

I love France — I spent a little time here and can say a few words: I like the cheese and the baguette! (laughs)

Today we were a bit lucky, because when Asfoora arrived at the races, we didn’t have her passport — it had been left behind in Chantilly, and instead we had the passport of the horse we bought yesterday at Arqana! Fortunately, Francis Graffard’s assistant went back to the yard, gave the passport to an Uber, and now we can drink champagne! So thank you to him as well — and thank you to the Uber driver! I’ve just posted his name on Twitter, and if he reads this, he’s welcome to join our party tonight! (laughs)

Anyway, I’m just so happy we decided to run today. You know, you shouldn’t have any regrets on your deathbed!”

The official result

QATAR PRIX DE L’ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP LONGINES

1st ASFOORA (Oisin Murphy)

2nd JAWWAL (Clément Lecœuvre)

3rd SHE’S QUALITY (James Ryan)

Time: 0’56’’39 – Margins: ½ – 2½ – 1¼

Quotes from connections 

Henry Dwyer, trainer of Asfoora (1st), Australia

“Few horses go to Royal Ascot and then keep going afterwards, but that’s exactly what we wanted to do last year. We fully intended to come for the Abbaye then, but we just felt she’d come to the end of her campaign after her disappointing run at York. This year we decided to mind her a little, with the goal of going to Ireland and then to France. Unfortunately, the ground wasn’t in our favour in Ireland — not completely today either, but she was able to handle it this time.

I might be wrong, but I’m pretty sure this is the first Australian-trained horse ever to win a race in France. So it was a real challenge for us — doing something that hadn’t been done before. Not to make a statement, just to try something different.

I’m not a big trainer; I’m not going to win trainer titles or Melbourne Cups or anything like that… But trying something different is what motivates us, I guess.

The times she’s failed on soft ground — at York last year, at Goodwood this year, and at the Curragh — the ground was really horrible, properly heavy. Today, no one had raced on this part of the track for about a month.

Yes, it was softer than ideal, but we had the first use of the ground, she was well placed, had a great run and a beautiful ride from Oisin Murphy. I’d like to watch the replay, because it wasn’t easy to follow live, but it’s just incredible.

Racing, like life, is about experiences — about trying new things and living new adventures. As I’ve said many times, we’re not a big stable, but having a mare who allows us to live moments like this… I owe her everything. She’s given us the thrill of a lifetime.

A huge thank you to my family at home, all my staff, the team at Newmarket who hosted and cared for Chanel, and of course to Amy and Lemos — without them, who were running everywhere today, she wouldn’t even have made it to the start! It’s been an absolutely incredible day.”

Martina Van Luka, wife of the trainer of Jawwal (2nd), Czech Republic

“It’s an incredible day for us — truly a great day! Just being here is already a dream, but finishing second in a Group 1… oh my God, I can’t believe it! We hesitated about running him, because he’s only three and had to carry a big weight, but he really outdid himself.”

Jack Davison, trainer of She’s Quality (3rd), Ireland

“She ran a super race after a long campaign. She was coming off a Group 1 fourth at the Curragh, and now she’s finished third in the Abbaye. She always turns up when it matters. She’s proved herself to be a top-class sprinter, and we’re very pleased with her run, especially as she’s better on good ground. She’s improved a lot from three to four, and there’s no reason she shouldn’t progress again from four to five. We’re considering running her in the Breeders’ Cup — partly because the ground and track at Del Mar should suit her, and also because she travels so well.”

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.