Wathnan Racing's Fallen Angel reclaims spotlight in Prix Rothschild
Doha
Already a dual Gr.1 winner, Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot), representing Wathnan Racing, returned to the top level on Sunday at Deauville in France, claiming the Gr.1 Prix Rothschild – Fonds Europeen de l'Élevage over 1600m. Open to fillies and mares aged three and up, the race attracted a competitive field of 13, including the well-supported favourite January (Kingman).
Fallen Angel had previously finished a solid third behind Crimson Advocate (Nyquist), who also carries the colours of Wathnan Racing, in the Gr.2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot. A Gr.1 winner at two, and winner of the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas last year at three, she now adds a third Group 1 to her CV, confirming once more her class, courage and value as a top-level performer.
Trained in the north of England by Karl Burke for Wathnan Racing, the four-year-old mare was confidently ridden by Daniel Tudhope, producing a determined performance.
Fast from the stalls, Fallen Angel led the far-side group in the centre of the track, while Spiritual (Invincible Spirit) took charge of the near-side runners. Both raced at a solid pace, with the favourite January settling in midfield on the near side. The groups merged inside the final 500 metres, with Fallen Angel still travelling strongly in front.
As the race built to its climax, January loomed up smoothly, under a confident Christophe Soumillon, and briefly edged ahead inside the final furlong. But Fallen Angel was not done, showing admirable grit, she rallied in the closing strides to regain the advantage inside the final 50 metres, winning by a head. Start Of Day (Night Of Thunder) finished strongly to grab third.
After the race, winning jockey Daniel Tudhope, said: 'She's always been tough, you know. I was a bit concerned about the ground, but she handled it fine, it was drying out a bit. I'm pleased to get back on her; she's been a great filly for me and for the team. I'm delighted. I want to thank Wathnan Racing for putting me on her again.'
Bred by Branton Court Stud LLP, she is out of Agnes Stewart (Lawman), a Gr.2 winner over 1600m at two. Fallen Angel is a half-sister to Divine Jewel (Frankel), a winner over 2400m at three and runner-up in a Gr.3 over 2800m at four, as well as dual Listed-placed over extended staying trips at four.
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