Sour note in Prix Vermeille
September 14th 2009 06:54
The 2008 Group One Prix Vermeille (2400 metres) was won by Zarkava. The 2009 running of the Prix Vermeille was much anticipated given the appearance of new French champion filly Stacelita, who is treading the same path as Zarkava last year, trying to remain undefeated after easily winning the Prix Diane (French Oaks) and on the journey to a start in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
(photo: dailymail.uk)
But although Stacelita was to win and remain undefeated, the Prix Vermeille would end in controversy.
The celebration for Dar Re Mi’s owners-breeders (composer and theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd-Webber and his wife Madeleine) was short-lived as French stewards disqualified the four-year-old Singspie mare, placing her fifth and denying Dar Re Mi a third Group One victory this season.
Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s multiple Group One winning mare, Dar Re Mi, was caught in traffic and jockey Jimmy Fortune would change course in the straight to push his mare through the same opening that winner Stacelita found when her stablemate and pacemaker (Volver) shifted ground. In doing so it was judged that fifth placed Soberania was inconvenienced.
"Why would anyone bring top horses to race in France when you risk this happening on a whim? She won fair and square—everyone knows that," Madeleine Webber, as told to Racing Post.
The winning connections of Stacelita were subsequently jeered at the trophy presentation.
This was a most bizarre decision. But don't take my word for it - judge for yourself.
Although the commentary is in French we can still follow the horses throughout the race. Dar Re Mi races in the pink silks and is positioned three horses back on the rails for most of the race. Stacelita (orange silks) sits second on the rails behind her pacemaker stablemate Volver (also orange silks) - who shifts ground away from the rails in the straight. You will observe the jockey of Volver look outside, then inside, for the stablemate and favourite. Perhaps they conducted the wrong inquiry. Reach your own conclusion.
Stacelita winning Prix Diane in less controversial circumstances
(photo: dailymail.uk)
But although Stacelita was to win and remain undefeated, the Prix Vermeille would end in controversy.
The celebration for Dar Re Mi’s owners-breeders (composer and theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd-Webber and his wife Madeleine) was short-lived as French stewards disqualified the four-year-old Singspie mare, placing her fifth and denying Dar Re Mi a third Group One victory this season.
Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s multiple Group One winning mare, Dar Re Mi, was caught in traffic and jockey Jimmy Fortune would change course in the straight to push his mare through the same opening that winner Stacelita found when her stablemate and pacemaker (Volver) shifted ground. In doing so it was judged that fifth placed Soberania was inconvenienced.
"Why would anyone bring top horses to race in France when you risk this happening on a whim? She won fair and square—everyone knows that," Madeleine Webber, as told to Racing Post.
The winning connections of Stacelita were subsequently jeered at the trophy presentation.
This was a most bizarre decision. But don't take my word for it - judge for yourself.
Although the commentary is in French we can still follow the horses throughout the race. Dar Re Mi races in the pink silks and is positioned three horses back on the rails for most of the race. Stacelita (orange silks) sits second on the rails behind her pacemaker stablemate Volver (also orange silks) - who shifts ground away from the rails in the straight. You will observe the jockey of Volver look outside, then inside, for the stablemate and favourite. Perhaps they conducted the wrong inquiry. Reach your own conclusion.
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Comment by Neil Murray
Neil