03 October 2021

Rougir shines with Opera performance

03 October 2021

Rougir edged out Grand Glory in a thrilling finish to the Prix de l’Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp

The 16-1 winner, trained by Cedric Rossi and ridden by Maxime Guyon, cane out on top in a close call to the mile-and-a-quarter Group One for fillies and mares.

It looked for a long way as though James Fanshawe’s Audarya, third behind Tarnawa 12 months ago, might land the prize, but ultimately she had nothing left in the closing stages.

Sibila Spain made the running until the Fanshawe mare swept past her. However, after being held together by Ioritz Mendizabal she could not last home in the testing conditions as Rougir and Grand Glory made their bids and she had to settle for fourth place. Eudaimonia was third.

Guyon said: “That went well! I was badly drawn, and I had to be patient. Her trainer told me beforehand that the ground wouldn’t be a problem. I would like to thank all the connections for trusting me again, as I didn’t give her the best of rides in the French Guineas.

“It’s magic. I am really happy for Cedric too. This filly really deserved that.”

Rossi added: “It’s fantastic, she always gives everything on the track She really deserved that and I am absolutely delighted for everyone.”

Trainer Gianluca Bietolini was equally proud of Grand Glory.

He said: “Grand Glory has run yet another huge race. We won the Darley Prix Jean Romanet, we won by a nose and today we were beaten by on – that’s the magic of racing. There are no excuses. This will be her last year in training and we will have a look at where she goes next.

“She has been invited to run in the Japan Cup, but nothing has been decided for the moment.”

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