On Sunday, the anticipated Derby double in Paris for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore didn’t materialise, as their contender, Diego Velazquez, fell short of expectations in the Qatar Prix Du Jockey Club at Chantilly, placing eighth. The undefeated Look De Vega clinched the victory in the €1.5 million French Derby, outclassing the solitary Irish entrant.
Last month, City Of Troy lost his unbeaten run in the 2,000 Guineas, and in turn, France now boasts a new Derby sensation in Look De Vega, who retained his unbeaten record under the stewardship of jockey Ronan Thomas. With just three starts to his name, Thomas guided the young colt to a comfortable two-length triumph. The 66/1 outsider, First Look, managed to secure the third position, edging out his stablemate Sosie, while England’s Ghostwriter came forth.
Look De Vega not only lived up to his impeccable ‘Jockey Club’ lineage – his sire and grandsire both won this race, but he also shares ties with the 2007 victor, Lawman. The notable Argentine trainer, Carlos Lerner, once led Anabaa Blue to French Derby glory in 2001. His co-trainer and son, Yann, stated that the horse’s behaviour between races was impeccable, noting the evident improvements in the horse’s skills and temperament.
Conversely, this was Ronan Thomas’s premier Group One victory, and he anticipates a bright future for Look De Vega. Already speculating about the horse’s long-term prospects, Thomas pointed towards the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October, with a number of firms offering odds of 8/1 for the horse’s success.
After relishing the extraordinary performance, Look De Vega will take a midsummer hiatus before he embarks on a traditional French Arc regimen, aiming to emulate Ace Impact’s double victory from the previous year.
Bank Holiday Monday marks the debut running of the Irish Stallion Farms Gowran Classic at the Co Kilkenny racecourse, which is the wealthiest race at this venue with a €200,000 prize. The competition has been arranged to enhance the schedule for three-year-old middle-distance horses in Ireland, with free admission to the track limited to horses that have a median cost of no more than €75,000. The champion will also gain complimentary entry to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby later in the month.
The event, which will see a maximum of 17 horses compete, is a wholly local affair, with both Joseph O’Brien and Ger Lyons each having three horses in the run. Aidan O’Brien’s only contender is Ocean Of Dreams. As for the prime race, Colin Keane has chosen Soldier’s Empire, with the reigning champion jockey potentially entering the race on the heels of a victory if Star Kissed performs well on a superior ground in the upcoming handicap.