31 July 2023
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday, July 30, 2023, Deauville Racecourse (Calvados). – Well placed behind the leaders Maymay (Cloth of Stars) and Geologist (Territories) along the inside rail, the outsider Laulne (Starspangledbanner) was able to progress without changing direction and then hold off the late surge of Classic Flower (Calyx), who came from the back of the field into the final straight to finish second at half a length, beating Geologist, third at a short length. Laulne had recorded two victories before claiming her first significant title in this €80,000 Prix Six Perfections Sky Sports Racing (Gr3).
Third for her debut at Chantilly over 5 furlongs in May, Laulne had followed up with a win over 1,100 metres at Chateaubriant before confirming her form in a Class 2 race at Lyon-Parilly. She follows her spotless journey under the colours of her breeder, Gérard Augustin-Normand.
John Hammond purchased Laulne's dam, the Listed-placed mare Lady Francesca (Montjeu), for £40,000 at the Newmarket Breeding Sales in 2020. She was in foal to what would become Laulne. Her dam is a sister to the talented Ronda (Bluebird), winner of the Falmouth Stakes (Gr2) for Darpat France. Lady Francesca had previously produced Bartholomeu Dias (Mount Nelson), who had not yet won a Listed race in Melbourne.
Following Laulne, Lady Francesca gave birth to a Le Havre filly in 2022.