Group 1 Glory for The Platinum Queen
Mon 03 Oct 2022
WINNER 114 OF 2022: THE PLATINUM QUEEN, trained by Richard Fahey and ridden by Hollie Doyle: The Group 1 'Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines' over 5f at ParisLongchamp, on Arc day.
There was a lot of attention ahead of the Arc meeting for many horses and The Platinum Queen was no exception. Trying to be the first 2-year-old, since Sigy in 1978, to win the Abbaye was quite a goal to achieve. Syndicate manager Tom had done a lot of press interviews in the run up and there was the pressure of her being favourite too. Add to that the very soft ground, with heavy showers on race day and hearts were pumping! Most of her syndicate made a weekend of it and some brought partners or friends, with them to enjoy the spectacle of Arc day. Watching Alpinista win the big race for Sir Mark, who we have 3 horses with, was tear jerking and set us up for a totally emotional day.
The paddock was crowded for the 18 runner race and Hollie was just keen to get her out on the track and let her tack down nicely to the sprint track in the centre of the course. She had a good draw in 7 and as they broke, just slotted in behind 2 horses in front of her and was always close up. Just at halfway her speed took her to the front and as three horses had split to the other side of the track it was difficult to see the order. Hollie asked her for more and she was soon 2 lengths clear, but did start to idle and when she could see horses coming to her, she stayed on strongly under pressure and held on gamely, to win by a short neck.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Parislongchamp/02-October-2022/1625
We loved this video of Cole, who lead her up, watching her and then when they realised she had indeed won, some owners joined in the celebrations!
Here she is returning to the winners enslosure:
Timeform rated it as a 110 performance, saying: "Proved herself under still softer conditions than last time with little sign of it blunting her natural speed but, surprisingly, it turned out she didn't need to improve back against older rivals to go one better than she had in the Nunthorpe; close up early, had taken it up by halfway, driven over 1f out, held on gamely.”
Hollie said in her Sky Sports Racing interview: "Her biggest asset is her speed and thankfully it worked out well on this ground. She idled a bit when she got to the front, but then kicked again when the 2nd horse came to her. All credit to Mr Fahey, who has done a great job with her and it's great to win for Middleham Park, they're a great syndicate.”
She also spoke to The Breeders Cup reporter:
See the official photo gallery here: https://www.scoopdyga.com/courses-217513-prix_de_l_abbaye_de_longchamp_.html and here: https://www.focusonracing.com/gallery/archive/G00001QZJlUh_CLk
Here's Richard's post race thoughts: https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/richard-fahey-column-the-platinum-queen-ready-for-breeders-cup/204057
The Racing Post report: https://www.racingpost.com/news/race-reports/the-platinum-queen-crowned-in-abbaye-as-she-ends-long-wait-for-juvenile-winner/581882
From The Thouroughbred Daily News: https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/cotai-glorys-the-platinum-queen/
There was a lot of post race coverage and why not! As the Sky Sports Racing team said "for a 2 year-old to win this race, it's exceptional. The first one for 44 years."
Syndicate manager Tom says: "At no point were we super worried. Hollie let her get to the front without asking too much of her; it was a great ride and a relief that she handled the pretty soft conditions. I must say, it was a very emotional day. I love this filly and so do her owners and it was a privilege to be there to see her take a Group 1 on the biggest stage. Thank you to the team at Longchamp for the wonderful hospitality for our group of 23 owners and guests. I think Paris knows who Middleham Park Racing are now after the celebrations and we must thank everyone for the very kind messages of congratulations on our 4th Group 1 winner.
Thank you to Richard and his team at Musley Bank for the work they do with her at home and to Oisin Orr, who rides her at home. As this was a 'win and your in' Breeders Cup race, she has now been added to the field for the Juvenile Turf Sprint, as it was possible for the automatic qualifying race to be transferred to one she can race in. This is very much on her agenda and we will now start to make plans for Keeneland on November 4th!”
This year has been the best we have ever had, when you see just what our 2 year-olds have so far, achieved:
THE PLATINUM QUEEN: Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines winner, Gr 1 Nunthorpe 2nd, Gr 2 Flying Childers 2nd. Alice Keppel Fillies' Conditions Stakes winner (breaking the juvenile 5f track record.)
EDDIE'S BOY: Weatherbys Super Sprint winner, Group 3 Prix Eclipse winner. Listed Windsor Castle Stakes 3rd, at Royal Ascot, Listed Dragon Stakes 3rd.
SHOULDVEBEENARING: Goffs Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes winner and Listed Ripon Champion 2yo Trophy Stakes winner.
CUBAN MISTRESS: Listed St Hugh's Stakes winner, Listed Dragon Stakes 2nd.
PRINCE OF PILLO: Listed Harry Rosebery Stakes winner. Ripon Hornblower Conditions Stakes winner.
MAYLANDSEA: Gr 2 Queen Mary 2nd, at Royal Ascot.
CORALILLO: Gr 3 Round Tower Stakes, 3rd.
DEAR MY FRIEND: Listed Criteriem du Fonds Europeen de l'Elevage 3rd.
Our team who bought these performers have been at the yearling sales buying next years 2-year-olds, so we hope you can join us for more top level fun! See our yearling shares, here: 2023 2 YEAR-OLDS