In a thrilling turn of events at the Sumbe Prix Morny in Deauville this past Sunday, Whistlejacket managed to fend off a late surge by Rashabar, granting trainer Aidan O’Brien his fifth triumph at the prestigious event. Prior to this, Whistlejacket secured a win at the July Stakes in Newmarket, though faced defeat against Babouche in the Phoenix Stakes at Curragh just the previous weekend.
Being the 2-1 favourite, Whistlejacket strove to follow in the victorious footsteps of previous Group One champions such as Orpen (1998), Fasliyev (1999), Johannesburg (2001) and Blackbeard (2022) on French soil. The esteemed horse maintained a leading position throughout the race, with the aid of the rail, and with jockey Ryan Moore proving successful in his commands.
Rashabar, who was trained by Brian Meehan and had previously garnered attention as the unexpected 80-1 victor at the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, posed the greatest challenge. The horse, under the guidance of Sean Levey, put up a valiant fight; however, despite every effort, Rashabar, the Holy Roman Emperor colt, was unable to surpass Whistlejacket, falling short by three-quarters of a length at the finish line.
Other notable competitors included Daylight, who came in third, and Arabie, who finished fourth under the charge of Karl Burke. Unfortunately, Burke’s previous Norfolk Stakes wonder, Shareholder, fell short of expectations, ending last out of nine participants after a keen early start.
Reflecting on Whistlejacket’s performance, an ecstatic O’Brien noted, in conversation with Sky Sports Racing, that the decision to run the horse in the Phoenix Stakes and the Morny was down to John Magnier’s belief in the horse’s capabilities. Commending Whistlejacket’s speed and Ryan Moore’s management, O’Brien expressed his delight over the win and concluded that while the race at the Curragh didn’t fully go as planned, Whistlejacket excelled in Deauville.
Ryan’s stellar performance once again showcased his exceptional riding ability. The horse he rode has qualities reminiscent of both a Middle Park and a Breeders’ Cup horse. Mqse De Sevigne, on the other hand, finished her Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe training in style as she claimed victory from the last position, preserving her flawless season record at the Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet which happened concurrently.
Last summer, the proficient mare from the stables of Andre Fabre was triumphant in both the Prix Rothschild and the Romanet. This year, she had been favoured to replicate this two-win streak under the stewardship of Alexis Pouchin. Largely remaining at the back of a group of five runners during the 10-furlong race, the five-year-old horse picked up the tempo to challenge in the final stretch. She displayed grit to secure victory by a head, with her jockey mindful to avoid overstressing her.
Runners-up positions were bagged by American Sonja and Maxux, both managed by Joseph O’Brien. Meanwhile, the best performance of the season was registered by Blue Rose Cen, finishing a close fourth.
Following last year’s triumph, Mqse De Sevigne was demoted to a mile at the Sun Chariot in Newmarket, where she finished second to Inspiral. This year, however, she is primed to extend her range to a mile and a half for the first time. If successful, she could secure a noteworthy ninth win for her trainer in the Arc.
Despite Coral extending her odds from 20-1 to 33-1 for Europe’s leading middle-distance race, trainer Fabre is anticipating her appearance at Longchamp in early October with excitement. Fabre celebrated Mqse De Sevigne as an exceptional mare, portraying the essence of a well-bred thoroughbred.
Fabre noted that although she tends to win her races by a nose or a short head, she remains consistent in her triumphs. Fabre asserted that the aim is the Arc and that will be their next stop.