6 October 2018
Photo scoopdyga.com
Brundtland (Dubawi) justified his status as favourite with a storming finish in the Qatar de Prix Chaudenay (Gr2), giving his supporters a lot to cheer about in the final furlong, when Lillian Russell (Dubawi) seemed to be gaining the upper hand. However, the winner of the Qatar Prix de Niel (Gr2, preparation for the Arc) courageously challenged the filly to dominate at the finish. My Swashbuckler (Pour Moi) made a convincing effort to come in third place. Brundtland is an unexposed horse, remaining undefeated in his first four races. This Saturday was his first time running over 3,000 meters, his connections preferring this to an attempt the Arc de Triomphe where he would have lacked a bit of experience.
How they ran
- 1st –Brundtland : Led the field with an easy pace. Appeared to cede 1st place in the final furlong, but made a thrilling comeback to snatch the win from Lillian Russell.
- 2nd- Lillian Russell : Made her run, in fourth place, sat in behind the leaders. Quickened to take the lead 2 furlongs from the post but couldnt match Brundtland in the finial straight.
- 3rd – My Swashbuckler : sweated up behind the stalls and a bit keen in the early stages, she was then held up behind the pack to finish well in 3rd place
- 4rth – Zyad : Hugged the rail in the wake of the winner but faded in the home straight.
- 5th – Bartaba : Held up in the rear, pushed along and quickened to weave into 5th place with distance between her and first four.
- 6th – Boulevard : Never threatened the leaders, travelled at the rear before coming to take 6th place from Mystique Sunshine.
- 7th – Mystic Sunshine : challenged the leader, faded badly in the straight.
- 8th- Silver Flight : Travelled in the middle of the pack. No extra.
Quotes
Charles Appleby (trainer of Brundtland, 1st)
« William Buick rode Brundtland very well. Another group winner for Godolphin and dubawi in France. It was great to kick off this meeting with a win. He preferred the longer distance, but next year ; he’ll be coming back to 2,400m. He may well be an arc contender in the future. He will spend the winter in England then we will see about his programme for the spring over 2,400 »
Henri-Alex Pantall (Trainer of Lillian Russell, 2nd)
« She is an ever improving filly. She came to win, but faced a tough opponent. She still lacks a bit of experience and still needs to learn to control her enthusiasm. She is a small but courageous filly with a big heart. We thought she had the job done whe she took the lead but that’s how it goes. »
Alain Couetil (trainer of My Swashbuckler, 3rd)
« He jumped keenly but his jockey knew how to calm him and he travelled down the straight with style. He was the only one to make up ground from behind and Ioritz Mendizabal thought he could have threatened the leaders. The winner seems to be a very good horse. He will be an excellent 4 year old next year. However, for now, I have not decided what I am going to do with him. »
Statistics
Year Winner Trainer Owner Rider Time
2018 Brundtland C. Appleby Godolphin W. Buick 3’17’’64
2017 Ice Breeze P. Bary K. Abdullah V. Cheminaud 3’17’’88
2016 Doha Dream A. Fabre Al Shaqab Racing G. Benoist 3’12’’58
2015 Vazirabad A. de Royer Dupré Aga Khan C. Soumillon 3’09’’36
2014 Auvray E. Lellouche G. Augustin-Normand/Mme E. Vidal G. Benoist 3’10’’86