QATAR PRIX DE ROYALLIEU Consent, Santorini Star, Rabbit’s Foot: The Royallieu rewards the brave!

In the Qatar Prix de Royallieu — something of a “mini Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe” for fillies (run over 400 metres more than the Arc) — three runners quickly took control of the race: in that order, Santorini Star (Golden Horn), Consent (Lope de Vega) and Rabbit’s Foot (Golden Horde). Between them, they soon broke the hearts of their rivals by setting a solid pace.

At the top of the straight, the trio quickened for a brief three-way fight that soon turned in favour of Consent, racing wide on the outside. She scored comfortably, pulling four-and-a-half lengths clear of Santorini Star, who bravely held her ground in mid-track to repel the late challenge of Rabbit’s Foot along the rail.

The fourth finisher came home another four-and-a-half lengths back — on increasingly testing ground, the margins were significant.

The favourites Bedtime Story (Frankel) and Survie (Churchill), both held up in the rear, never threatened.

The official result

QATAR PRIX DE ROYALLIEU

1st CONSENT (Luke Morris)

2nd SANTORINI STAR (Tom Marquand)

3rd RABBIT’S FOOT (Maxime Guyon)

Time: 3’05’’15 – Margins: 4 ½ – Neck – 4 ½

Quotes from connections 

William Butler, assistant to Sir Mark Prescott, trainer of Consent (1st), UK

“She’s been improving all year. You know, you always have hope when you look at her form lines. She already looked to have quality before, but she just keeps progressing. A huge thank-you to her loyal owner, Prince Faisal! Prince Faisal was watching from Riyadh — he’d been pacing around all day — so he’s absolutely thrilled to see her win!

The Prince is a fantastic owner-breeder, and when a day ends like this, it’s really special for him.

I’m absolutely delighted. It was an easy race to watch — we never suffered! Everything went to plan. Yes, we wanted to be well placed, and Luke achieved exactly that. From our inside draw we were able to sit second. We just prayed she’d keep going — and she did.

I don’t know whether she’ll head to the breeding shed at the end of the year — that’s above my pay grade! The plan was to run here and keep her in training next season. After what she showed today, I think everyone will agree to stick with that plan.

As for the Arc next year — we’ll see. It’s early days. I don’t want to say something I might regret… but she’s kept improving, she stays very well, and handles the ground. Now we can start to dream!”

Phil Partridge, representative of the owners of Santorini Star (2nd), UK

“She ran really well and gave everything she had. Tom Marquand felt the ground was a bit too sticky for her — she didn’t show her usual sharp turn of foot. She has won from 1,600 to 3,200 metres — she’s a really good filly and we adore her. As for what’s next, there will be discussions. This is probably the final run of her season, but we must decide whether to keep her in training at five or send her to stud.”

François Rohaut, trainer of Rabbit’s Foot (3rd), Pau (France)

“Magnificent! We had a slight doubt about her stamina, but not about the ground — and she erased that doubt today. She had already fought with Consent at Deauville, and here they met again, though this time Consent was clearly above the rest. She’s repeated all her good performances, showing great courage and heart. She’s very beautiful, very sound, and she goes through the sales ring this evening… We’ll see how the day ends!

This performance is exceptional. The owners are delighted, and that makes everyone happy. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose… today we’ve won. This third place changes everything for the sale. She’ll keep improving — she’s tough, has a great mind, and has everything to become a really good race mare.”

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.