Amusingly proves too quick for colts in ParisLongchamp feature
Juddmonte’s Amusingly produced a striking performance to beat the colts in the Qatar Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardère at ParisLongchamp, confirming the filly’s reputation for pace and acceleration as she extended her Group‑level credentials.
Sent to the start for trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, the daughter of No Nay Never was held up from the rear before producing a decisive late surge which left Joseph O’Brien’s National Stakes winner Folsom Blues unable to respond. The move under Colin Keane proved decisive over seven furlongs, with Amusingly drawing clear in the closing stages.
Graffard had elected to switch the filly from the Prix Marcel Boussac, a race restricted to fillies and run over a mile, into the seven‑furlong Lagardère to test her against the colts. The decision has immediate implications for her potential targets next season: her turn of foot and natural speed mark her out as a candidate for top‑level sprints and shorter mile contests, although connections will assess her prospects for a mile as she matures.
How the race unfolded
Keane initially positioned Amusingly at the back of the field, biding his time as the pace unfolded. The filly tracked Folsom Blues through the race and delivered her challenge in the final furlong, producing a strong change of gear that carried her clear. The performance underlined both her tactical versatility and an ability to cope with the stronger company encountered when meeting the colts.
Connections hailed the victory as a major boost ahead of the winter and a positive indicator for next season. Juddmonte’s managing team and Graffard will now consider where to aim the filly next, with the Breeders’ Cup left as one of several options to discuss.
Green Empress doubles up for O’Brien in the Marcel Boussac
On the same ParisLongchamp card Joseph O’Brien celebrated another Group One success when Green Empress held off Data to take the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac. The Saxon Warrior filly, out of a Sea The Stars mare, has been consistent through the season and added the prestigious fillies’ mile prize to her record.
Ridden prominently by Christophe Soumillon, Green Empress seized the initiative approaching the final furlong and managed to repel a determined late challenge from Christophe Head’s Data. The victory continued a strong run of form for O’Brien at major meetings and provides a further high‑profile option for connections when mapping out the filly’s path over the winter and into next year.
Plans and perspectives
- Amusingly’s win over the colts raises questions about whether the filly will be campaigned over seven furlongs, a mile, or targeted at specific summer festivals in 2026 where speed over shorter trips is prized.
- Green Empress is likely to be assessed for potential mile and middle‑distance assignments next season, with the breeding suggesting she could handle a step up in trip at some stage.
- Both trainers indicated that decisions on potential trips overseas, including the Breeders’ Cup, would be made after further consultation with owners and a review of the fillies’ condition.
Festival implications
The performances at ParisLongchamp carry direct relevance for the UK and Irish festival calendar. Amusingly’s display of raw speed and finishing power makes her a horse to watch for prestigious summer meetings where seven‑furlong and top‑class mile contests are staged. Meanwhile, Green Empress’s win in the Boussac reinforces the depth of three‑year‑old fillies emerging from the European juvenile programme and points to exciting possibilities at Guineas meetings and subsequent Guineas‑season targets.
As trainers and owners analyse each filly’s development over the winter, racegoers at next spring’s and summer’s marquee festivals will be keen to see which pathways are chosen for these two Group One winners.
This article may have been prepared in whole or in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
