Al Shaqab Racing-owned Jemayel won the Pour Moi Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Gr1) yesterday at Deauville, earning her ticket for the Prix de Diane Longines (Gr1).
After waiting in the lot, the filly came very fast along the inside rail and managed to take the advantage over Camprock, who lost her invincibility. Both fillies were only separated by a head at the finish line. The British Hawksmoor, who led the lot, kept the third place in front of Left Hand.
Jemayel had disappointed on her return this year in the Prix Finlande (L), where she only finished seventh. But as a two-year-old, the filly had come second in the Prix des Réservoirs (Gr3) on this track.
Jemayel is trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, who said, “Lately, in Chantilly, she did not have any action. It was too bad to be good. We kept her cool at 2 in order to do a good 3yo season. This time, she had sheepskin, but it did not do the difference. I thought Camprock would come to defeat her, but she resisted very well. She shows she can hold the distance. She had never gone more than 1,600m at 2. She is now going to go to the Prix de Diane.”
Al Shaqab racing manager Harry Herbert added, “This was an interesting scenario. The filly is very well trained so we decided to run her. She can sometimes be a bit lazy so here the rhythm helped a lot and she finished off her race very well. Gregory Benoist also did a wonderful job. The distance is spot on for her. She looked terrific today with her brighter skin. It has been a wonderful weekend overall.”
Al Shaqab Racing general manager Khalifa bin Mohamed al-Attiyah expressed happiness at the surprise Jemayel served, considering she wasn’t a hot favourite in the race.
“Jemayel gave a dazzling performance and won the title in such top-class style, which surprised everyone, including her rivals,” al-Attiyah said after the race. “She was not a favourite as she did not do well when she was last seen, but she had a different opinion today with Gregory Benoist, who simply excelled and was a key factor in realising this win. In fact, this victory is a result of the dedication and commitment of Al Shaqab team in general. Jemayel has also proved that she has more to show in future.
“Al Shaqab has realised such victories for the third day in a row in both the UK and France, and such successes reflect the ongoing efforts to maintain Al Shaqab’s standing at winning enclosures. Al Shaqab will have runners in several races in Europe and we look forward to more titles and victories, especially as we do have several horses who can realise our goals.”