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| Sumita Pawar |
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Cheveley Park Stud's Chris Richardson has expressed his delight and satisfaction with Inspiral's impressive victory in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. The 4YO filly, who has now won four Group One races, showcased her exceptional talent and dominated the race, leaving the favorite, Big Rock, behind. Frankie Dettori's exceptional ride contributed to the success, marking his eighth win in the prestigious event.
What made the victory even more remarkable was the fact that it came just 11 days after Inspiral's disappointing performance in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. Richardson praised Dettori's skillful riding and the training efforts of John and Thady Gosden for the quick turnaround in the filly's fortunes.
He said, “Unbelievable, it was fantastic and it’s full marks to every aspect of the team really.
“Frankie really looked after her at Goodwood and as I’ve said before, when he made his move on Inspiral to get the rail, her burst was short lived and he accepted it and just let her come home – and full marks to John for having the courage to say let’s go back 11 days later too.
“It all worked in her favour and I think it was probably one of the best performances of her career.”
Last year, Inspiral won the Prix Jacques le Marois by a narrow margin, but this time, the competition was tougher with a stellar lineup of milers. Dettori's clever tactic of guiding the filly to the far side of the track from her starting position in stall one played a crucial role in securing the win.
“It was sensational and to be as brave as Frankie was to go from basically draw one to draw 12 and come down the outside having gone a lot further than everybody else, I think even he was as wide-eyed surprised that she just kept on motoring,” added Richardson.
“She loves a fast pace which she got and the ground had dried up enough and she has proved now that she goes on fast ground, good ground and good to soft ground.”
Inspiral Secures Breeders' Cup Mile
The victory in the Marois race guarantees a spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile, which will take place in Santa Anita in November. Inspiral now has a variety of options for her future races, including the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown, the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
Despite the numerous options available, everyone involved with Inspiral will take some time to savor her latest triumph before finalizing plans for the rest of the season.
Richardson added, “Sadly Mrs (Patricia) Thompson (Cheveley Park owner) couldn’t be there, but Richard her son came with me and had a really special day. He was thrilled just like his mother and it was a great lift for everyone really. It was a special moment and a great triumph for all concerned.
“There is lots to think about now. John and I just thought on the plane home we would see how she is in a week to 10 days time. Mrs Thompson is also coming up this week, so we can discuss what plans we might want to consider.
“She has plenty of entries and if the Breeders’ Cup is something Mrs Thompson is prepared to consider then who knows, she might end up there. We will enjoy this moment and enjoy the next few weeks of planning.”