6 October 2018
Photo scoopdyga.com
The English runner Princess Yaiza (Casamento) was the best of them in the Qatar Prix de Royallieu (Gr2). The battle was undecided until the last moments, and an enquiry opened by the stewards, due to the contact between the winner, and Palombe (Nathaniel), the second. Shahnaza (Azamour) took third place after a brave effort, having been held up down the field.
The filly, trained by Gavin Cromwell, was taking her first Group.
How they ran
- 1st – Princess Yaiza : Jumped well and travelled three-quarters of a length off the leader, Maroubra. Followed the acceleration of this latter at the top of the home straight. Assured her advantage 200m, and was courageous to hold off her attackers before winning by a clear margin.
- 2nd – Palombe : Sat in third position, well covered, before accelerating math the same time as Princess Yaiza. Troubled the winner, but had to concede when she resisted.
- 3rd – Shahnaza : Travelled towards the rear. Took time to find her action in the straight, before finihzing well in the final 100 meters for third place.
- 4th – Hermaphrodite : Set off in her own pace, at the rear. She came up the rail, giving the impression that she could win. However wasn’t able to hold her place in the final battle.
- 5th – Fuse : Travelled in fourth position a little keenly Never looked dangerous.
- 6th – Maroubra : Led the race at her pace, relaxed. When Hermaphrodite began to move up her inside, she began to race. However she quickly conceded defeat.
Quotes
Gavin Cromwell (trainer of Princess Yaiza, 1st)
"She had every right to be here. It’s true it was a bit of a gamble, but she has had a good season, and she’s very consistent. She has faced the best of them in her previous races. I thought that Christophe Soumillon on Shahnaza was going to come back up on us, but she held her off. It’s fantastic. The owner, Lindsay Laroche, bought her before Christmas last year. She has been placed fin nearly all her starts. It’s the first time that she has won this year, and it’s for her. It’s great! I don’t know what we will do with her now, but she will definitely stay in training next year."
Alain de Royer Dupré (trainer of Shahnaza, 3rd)
"It wasn’t a bad race She stayed the trip but lacked something to win. Whatever the distance, you have the impression that she is going to win and then no. The hood relaxed her. She breathed better than usual."
The records
Year Winner Trainer Owner Jockey Time
2018 Princess Yaiza G. Cromwell L. Laroche A. Atzeni 2’43’’87
2017 The Juliet Rose N. Clément Mayfair Speculators/Equifrance S. Pasquier 2’35’’55
2016 The Juliet Rose N. Clément Mayfair Speculators/Equifrance S. Pasquier 2’31’’14
2015 Candarliya A. de Royer Dupré S.A. l’Aga Khan C. Soumillon 2’37’’05
2014 Frine C. Laffon-Parias Duc d’Albuquerque G. Mossé 2’37’’29