Fallen Angel Soars Again in Deauville

Daughter of Too Darn Hot Captures G1 Prix Rothschild, Completes Group 1 Hat Trick at 2, 3, and 4

Fallen Angel Continues Her Spectacular Campaign / FRANCE GALLOP

DEAUVILLE, Francia (Special for Turf Diario).- The English filly representing Wathnan Racing stamped her authority from start to finish in the Prix Rothschild (G1 – €300,000 – 1600m, turf), the first major highlight of Deauville’s traditional summer meeting, adding another top-level victory that confirms her status among the best fillies on the continent.

With Daniel Tudhope aboard, the daughter of Too Darn Hot (GB) went straight to the front from the break, eschewing any complicated tactics. On a course that greeted the runners with good ground and a crowd fitting the race’s stature, trainer Karl Burke’s charge took the center of the track, while several rivals bunched along the stands’ side, including the Irish filly January (Kingman), who looked for the perfect moment to launch her final challenge.

The race shaped into a duel over the last 500 meters, when Soumillon swung January to the left in pursuit of Fallen Angel. What followed was a thrilling head-to-head battle, with both horses fighting stride for stride until, at the final jump, the English filly held off her rival by a head. A length and a half back, Start of Day (Night of Thunder), trained by Christopher Head, completed the trifecta after making steady progress from the back of the pack.

With this victory, Fallen Angel joins an exclusive group with the rare feat of winning Group 1 races at ages 2, 3, and 4 — a sequence her trainer rightly compared to the celebrated Laurens. Adding to her 2023 Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1)and this year’s Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1), the bay now boasts a French classic jewel on her résumé.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have a Group 1 winner for Wathnan, who have been a tremendous support. I wouldn’t say we were confident, but we were optimistic. We knew she had a good chance with better ground and the blinkers on. Her work has been excellent the last couple of weeks,” Burke said following the victory.

The excitement extended to the ownership team as well. Ali Al Kubaisi, manager of Wathnan Racing, remarked, “This had been a target for some time. Winning this Group 1 at four years old was very important because of the consistency she has shown. Congratulations to Karl and his entire team.”

Beyond the brilliant triumph, plans for Fallen Angel’s immediate future are already taking shape. “The next likely step is the Matron Stakes (G1) in Ireland. There’s also the option of the Prix Jean Romanet (G1), but after today’s performance, I’d lean towards keeping her at a mile,” Burke added, leaving the door open for more top-level victories.

Among the beaten, January’s effort pleased the Aidan O’Brien camp, while Start of Day demonstrated readiness for bigger challenges. “It was a memorable Rothschild, and we’re happy to have been part of it. She has the action of a true miler, though we believe she will perform even better over longer distances. We’ll aim for the Jean Romanet,” Head said.

In fourth, the filly Godspeed also made a positive impression. Her trainer, Argentine Carlos Lerner, commented, “She ran very well, keeping pace with the leaders. She may be more effective over 1400 meters. If all goes well, we’ll target the Prix de la Forêt (G1).”

The 2025 edition of the Prix Rothschild delivered quality, excitement, and a champion firmly established. Fallen Angel lived up to her name — descending from the heavens to leave her mark on the French mile and prove that her reign is far from over, but stronger than ever.