The festival of Irish coach Aidan-Patrick O’Brien continued on Sunday October 6, 2024 at ParisLongchamp after winning his fourth group thanks to the triumph of Camille Pissarroridden by one of the finest whips in the world, Christophe Soumillon, in the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Gr. I). The master of Ballydoyle registers his name for the ninth time on the list of winners of this group I for 2 years contested on the 1,400 meters of the new Longchamp track, the last dating from 2017 and the success ofHappily. Quickly to the forefront, Misunderstood (3rd) set a regular pace for the event, in much softer terrain than one could imagine the day before, due to the morning rains. If Rashabar (2nd) and Field of Gold (4th) galloped in the leading group, the future winner was at the back of the peloton, last at the entrance to the long straight, whose arrival was judged at the second post. “Forced to start outside with the 9 in the starting stalls, I preferred to ride it off behind, especially in such soft terrainspecified Christophe Soumillon. I went as far as possible Aurélien Lemaitre (associated with Houquetot), although I would have preferred it to take me even further, then I got closer to the head without making any effort, before my colt stretched out to the post. I lost my stirrup after the first post, but I kept pushing. This allowed me to win my first Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, which pays tribute to the man for whom I won the first group 1 of my life with Vahorimixin the Poule d’Essai des Poulains in 2001.” Only the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp is missing from the French Group I list for the driver, winner of 121 Group Is (France and abroad) since his debut.
Aidan-Patrick O’Brien did not hide his satisfaction at having won this event dedicated to 2-year-olds for the ninth time with Camille Pissarro : “He has a lot of class and will last the mile (1,600 meters) no problem next year. The change in tactics probably helped him more than the pitch. He is a horse who learns with each race, he improves. He’s a big foal who hasn’t fully come yet. I’m not sure if he runs again this year.
The winner’s runner-up, Rashabarhad a long illusion for the palm before having to bow near the post. “It’s obviously disappointing to be beaten in a Group I, even more so in the Arc meeting, but Rashabar is really special”, confessed his coach, Brian Meehan. I don’t know if he liked the pitch. I think we will come back to Longchamp for the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (groupe I). He could also go to the 1,000 Guineas of Ireland (Gr. I). For this year, I think he’s done enough. He is a very serious and professional horse, who is pleasant to work with.”
Hard as a rock, the host from the start, Misunderstood showed himself courageous to keep the second runner-up, letting his developer, Mario Baratti, say: “Misunderstood progresses with each outing. He still lacks maturity, but he is learning his trade well. Before the race, I was a little afraid of the 1,400 meter course. He showed speed and landed well. I’m happy with him. If all goes well, he will do a very good 3 years. He’s not going to resort this year.”
