Aventure ended Diamond Necklace's undefeated run to shine once again at Deauville
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The seasoned mare trained by Christophe Ferland captured the Prix Jean Romanet (G1), holding off the previously undefeated three-time G1 winner from Aidan O’Brien's yard; the winner will target the Prix de l’Opéra before a potential trip to Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup
DEAUVILLE, France (Special for Turf Diario).— It had to happen eventually. Following six flawless starts and three consecutive G1 victories in France, Diamond Necklace finally tasted defeat, as a rival of supreme caliber in Aventureput an end to her undefeated streak in the Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet (G1-2,000m).
Expectations surrounding Diamond Necklace were sky-high. The Aidan O’Brien-trained daughter of St Mark’s Basilica had turned every one of her French raids into a victory parade, capturing the Prix Marcel Boussac (G1), the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (G1), and the Prix de Diane (G1) in succession.
This time, however, she encountered Aventure at the absolute peak of her powers.
The Wertheimer brothers' banner-bearer, trained by Christophe Ferland and ridden by Maxime Guyon, made her experience count and proved once again that she belongs among the elite European mares. Winner of last year's Prix Vermeille (G1) and runner-up to Bluestocking (Camelot) in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), she added another top-level victory to her ledger.
"We are delighted. When she won the Prix Corrida this year, we were thrilled, but then we made a mistake running her over 2,400 meters in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud," admitted Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for the Wertheimer family.
"There was a very strong field of mares today, including Diamond Necklace, but what ours did was wonderful. She is a champion. One day we will be very happy to have her as a broodmare, but for now, we are going to enjoy her on the racecourse," he added.
That previous 2,400-meter attempt ultimately convinced her connections that Aventure's ideal trip lies over slightly shorter distances. Although bookmakers offered her at 20-1 for the upcoming Arc following her victory, there will be no third attempt in ParisLongchamp's flagship event.
"Her case is quite unique, because as she grows older, she is gaining speed, and now 2,000 meters is her ideal distance," Pierre-Yves Bureau explained.
Her next objective will be the Prix de l’Opéra (G1) on Arc day, and should everything go according to plan, a transatlantic trip to North America could follow.
"The plan is to run in the Prix de l’Opéra, and if all goes well, we might target the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf(G1). But we will take it step by step. The Opéra comes next," he confirmed.
For Diamond Necklace, meanwhile, the first setback of her career could prompt a move up in trip. Aidan O’Brienoffered no excuses: "She ran well, but today the winner was better than her. We were very happy before the race, and the ground was not an issue."
The Ballydoyle master indicated that they will assess her recovery before making a decision: "She could try 2,400 meters this autumn."
Third place went to Timeforshowcasing (Showcasing), who once again outdid expectations for Charlie Johnston. The trainer particularly highlighted that her performance improves when she encounters good or softer ground.
Aventure, in the meantime, served a reminder of her true quality. Diamond Necklace arrived at Deauville undefeated and with star aura; she left with her first loss because she ran into a true champion who still has plenty left to say.
