Blue Bolt Was Unstoppable Once Again and Claimed the Prix Rothschild in France
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The Andrew Balding trainee defeated Precise once again, this time at Deauville, extending a flawless career record that solidifies her as one of Europe's standout performers of the season
DEAUVILLE, France (Special for Turf Diario).— Race after race, Blue Bolt continues to confirm that she is in the form of her life. The remarkable Andrew Balding trainee extended her flawless season this Sunday by claiming the Prix Rothschild (G1) at Deauville, once again defeating classic winner Precise (Starspangledbanner) to solidify her position as Europe's top older female miler.
After finishing second behind Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot) in the Sun Chariot Stakes (G1) to close out her 2025 campaign, the daughter of Blue Point returned as a completely transformed mare. She first secured a listed victory at Goodwood before stringing together three high-caliber triumphs: the Duke of Cambridge Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot, the Falmouth Stakes (G1) at Newmarket, and now the Rothschild, raising her tally to seven wins from just ten career starts.
The contest presented another rematch against Precise, winner of the Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1) and the Coronation Stakes (G1), whom she had previously defeated convincingly in the Falmouth.
This time, the finish was far tighter. Under Ryan Moore, Precise looked set to gain revenge when grabbing the lead in the closing stages, but Colin Keane measured Blue Bolt's effort with supreme patience, getting a response in the final strides to prevail by half a length, with Sir Mark Prescott's representative Moon Target (Cracksman) putting in a strong effort for third.
"She is an extraordinary mare. Colin gave her a fantastic ride," said Balding. "It wasn't an easy race to watch because with 200 meters to go I thought we were beaten, but he timed everything to perfection."
The trainer highlighted one of his filly's defining traits: "She possesses impressive physical strength for a mare and an incredible willingness to compete. I also want to thank the whole team back home and especially Alfie Redman, who rides her every single day. She isn't an easy mare—she likes to boss things around—but he has done a wonderful job channeling all that energy over the last six months."
According to Balding, that dominant personality is also reflected in her running style: "She likes to travel strongly, knows the power she possesses, and the challenge lies in directing all that energy the right way."
With this latest conquest, her next target already appears set: the Matron Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown on September 12.
"The great thing about her is that she adapts to any ground. We have always felt the Matron is an ideal race for her, and we don't want to lose sight of that target," he explained.
Connections of Precise were also pleased despite the defeat.
Aidan O'Brien felt her performance marked clear progress compared to their previous meeting: "I am very delighted. In the Falmouth, Blue Bolt beat her by 2 lengths, and today she was only half a length ahead, even though the weight conditions were less favorable for us. She ran really well."
The Irish trainer also left the door open for a step up in trip in upcoming starts.
"We might try a slightly longer distance. We haven't decided on her schedule yet and will analyze it calmly."
There was equal satisfaction in Moon Target's camp, where aggressive tactics nearly paid off.
"We are thrilled with this third-place finish," noted Chris Richardson, racing manager for Cheveley Park Stud. "Since there was no clear front-runner, we decided to take the initiative and force the others to come catch us."
He recalled that the daughter of Cracksman had finished second to Precise last year in the Prestige Stakes (G3) and was behind her again in the Coronation Stakes.
"We felt we were somewhat unlucky at Ascot. Now we will likely keep her at a mile. We learned last year that she needs time between her races, so we will continue to space out her starts."
In the meantime, Blue Bolt continues to build a compelling case as one of the standout stars of European racing in 2026. Undefeated in four starts this season and increasingly dominant against the division's best, her reign among female milers appears far from over.
