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| Staff Writer |
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Despite Highfield Princess's poor performance at the Flying Five Stakes in Ireland, John Quinn remains determined and has his sights set on the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp next week for his exceptional mare. The 6YO had a slow start in the Group One race and finished fifth behind Moss Tucker.
On Monday, Quinn reported his stable star to be in good condition as she bids to land a fourth victory at the highest level. He said, "She seems fine and she came back from Ireland well and she’s grand. It didn’t work – these horses are not machines – but all being well we’ll run her in the Abbaye on Sunday week.
"She just missed the break and she slid a bit. At halfway it looked like she was going to finish last, but she did well to be fifth. She’s come back fine and I was happy with how she moved on Monday. We’ll get her right and head to France."
Quinn draws confidence from the Group One heroine's most recent triumph in the Gr.2 Qatar Stakes at Goodwood. This victorious performance fuels his belief as he prepares for the upcoming trip to Paris.
He added, "Her Goodwood run was right up there with the best of her runs from last year. She was also placed twice in two Group 1s in four days at Royal Ascot, which takes some doing.
"She’s had a great year. We know it didn’t work out in Ireland, but it’ll be a different day in France."