Latest news with #DiegoVelazquez
New Paper
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
A driving finish to Deauville G1
DEAUVILLE Sponsored for the first time by the famous Aga Khan Studs, the 2025 renewal of the €1 million (S$1.5 million) Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois (1,600m) at Deauville on Aug 17 went right down to the wire, with Diego Velazquez hanging on by a nose to beat the fast-closing Notable Speech. Trained by Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien, the Frankel five-year-old - who had scored four Group wins previously, including his last-start win in the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes (1,400m) at Curragh on July 20 - has reached the pinnacle of his racing career with that first Group 1 victory in France's international feature race. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the Irish-bred broke from gate 10 and landed in front in the middle of the 1,600m straight. Japanese raider Go To First (Mirai Iwata) was behind him, while eight other runners were bunched up near the rails. The two gradually closed the gap with the rest on the rails approaching the 1,000m mark, with Soumillon settling Diego Velazquez in third on the outside. His stablemate The Lion In Winter (Ryan Moore) led on the rails, and the Roger Teal-trained Dancing Gemini (Rossa Ryan) sat in second on his outside. After The Lion In Winter faded away at the 300m, it was Diego Velazquez and Dancing Gemini who were locked in a fierce battle up front. With less than 100m to go, Diego Velazquez ($58) looked to have done enough. He finally got the better of Dancing Gemini in a thrilling duel that lasted more than 200m, but they had not reckoned with the extraordinary late burst of the English colt Notable Speech (William Buick). Prepared by Charlie Appleby, the Dubawi four-year-old was unlucky when he was trapped behind weakening rivals in the crucial stages, but he flew home like a rocket along the rails, only to be denied by a nose from the brave Diego Velazquez. Dancing Gemini did his best to hang on for third, another ¾ length away. It was O'Brien's second success in the Prix Jacques Le Marois, after he first won it with Excelebration - who was also ridden by Soumillon - in 2012. He also paid tribute to Diego Velazquez's well-known owner, Sam Sangster of Sam Sangster Bloodstock, after the win. The son of influential British owner and breeder Robert Sangster - one of the three founders of Coolmore Stud - Sangster Jr moved to Australia in 2007 to gain first-hand experience in different areas of the racing industry. He returned to the UK in 2010, and branched into racing syndication a year later before Sam Sangster Bloodstock was established in 2015. "This is a breeding operation that produces very good two and three-year-olds. And of course, he's (Diego Velazquez) a superb model, a willing horse," said O'Brien. "His last run was very good and he really came to himself last week. The Minstrel Stakes have often proved to be an excellent stepping stone - it's a sharp 1,400 metres, and you need to be sharp. "But he's very courageous, yes. And if you think about Ballydoyle's history, and the history of these colours with horses like The Minstrel, who could have imagined that we would have a horse running in Mr Sangster's silks? "It's just incredible, and I'm so delighted for Sam - truly thrilled." Soumillon, who was in his fourth Jacques Le Marois win following his successes aboard Whipper (2004), Makfi (2010) and Excelebration (2012), was taken aback when Notable Speech came swooping late, but was glad Diego Velazquez held on. "I was quite surprised to see William finish so strongly in the end and I nearly got beat," said the top jockey. "When I spoke to (Diego Velazquez's regular partner) Ryan Moore in the jockeys' room, he gave me quite a lot of confidence about him. "I was happy with the draw as he was able to do his own things. He doesn't absolutely need a cover. "I was going really easy until the last 600m and, when he came onto the bridle, he was really cruising. I waited for the right timing to let him go and he responded so well." FRANCE GALOP
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diego Velazquez Wins Thriller In Prix Jacques Le Marois
Diego Velazquez Wins Thriller In Prix Jacques Le Marois originally appeared on Paulick Report. Diego Velazquez (IRE) held off late-charging Notable Speech to win the €1,000,000 Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques Le Marois (G1) on Sunday at Deauville in France. In the final furlong, the 4-year-old Frankel colt took the lead from Dancing Gemini and held off the late run from Notable Speech, who came flying down the inside after being stuck behind slowing runners but was denied by a nose. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon and trained by Aidan O'Brien, Diego Velazquez completed the flat mile on turf in 1:34.23. With the win, Diego Velazquez stamped himself as a horse to watch for the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) in Nov. 1 at Del Mar. Last year, he made the trip to the seaside track for the Mile but was scratched by his connections the day before the race. 'We were half thinking about seeing how today went, possibly going to Keeneland (for the Coolmore Turf Mile [G1]), which is a 'Win & You're In', but we're in now,' owner Sam Sangster told Sky Sports. 'I'll entirely leave that up to Aidan.' Charlie Appleby, trainer of runner-up Notable Speech, was pleased with the colt's courageous effort and has tentatively mapped out the rest of the year for the Godolphin homebred. 'We're delighted with how the horse ran. Of course it's frustrating to be beaten by so little, but the most important thing is to see him back to his best. The mile is his optimum trip,' said Appleby. 'We tried dropping him back last time; sometimes you need to experiment. We'll probably go to Canada for the ('Win & You're In') Woodbine Mile (G1) (Sept. 13) and then head to the Breeders' Cup.' Diego Velazquez, bred by Epona Bloodstock from the Acclamation (GB) mare Sweepstake. He was a $2,886,243 purchase by Coolmore's M. V. Magnier and U.S.-based Peter Brant of White Birch Farm at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, where he was cataloged in the prestigious Book 1. Sam Sangster is the son of the late Robert Sangster, one of the founders of racing and breeding powerhouse Coolmore. Diego Velazquez has six wins from 11 career starts, and it was announced last week that he will retire to the National Stud in Ireland at the end of the year. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
O'Brien's Diego Velazquez strikes Group One gold in Deauville
Diego Velazquez held off a late charge from Notable Speech to come out on top in the Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was recently purchased by Sam Sangster and was running for the first time in the family's famous silks under Christophe Soumillon. The bay was running alongside stablemate The Lion In Winter in the Group One, who was joined by Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini in making much of the running throughout the one-mile trip. Diego Velazquez was always travelling well on the outside, however, and threw down his challenge in the final stages to see off a rapid finish on the inner rail from Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech, who was beaten just a head. Dancing Gemini was a further three-quarters of a length back in third. The winning trainer said: "This is a breeding operation that produces very good two- and three-year-olds. He's a superb model, a willing horse, his last run was very good and he really came to himself last week." Diego Velazquez's last run was in the Minstrel Stakes, named in honour of the late Robert Sangster's dual Derby winner who ran in the same colours carried to success at Deauville on behalf of his son. Of that synchronicity, O'Brien added: "The Minstrel Stakes has often proved an excellent stepping stone - it's a sharp 1,400 metres, and you need to be sharp. "If you think about Ballydoyle's history, and the history of these colours with horses like The Minstrel, who could have imagined that we would have a horse running in Mr Sangster's silks? It's just incredible, and I'm so delighted for Sam - truly thrilled. "We thought he might be a horse for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Keeneland and then possibly the Breeders' Cup Mile. He loves fast ground and he's quick. "A lot of money has been spent this week on his stallion career. But sometimes money isn't what matters. What they achieved today - you can't buy that, those are memories." An emotional Sangster was thrilled at his new acquisition's success, telling Sky Sports Racing: "It means a lot, we're so lucky. "MV (Magnier, former co-owner) is one of my oldest and greatest friends and when I came to him with the presentation of buying the horse to stand at the National Stud, he was fully supportive. "We were lucky to buy him and we're even luckier now, that's for sure! "He's an absolutely gorgeous horse, he's so tough, so genuine. He's a phenomenal mover and to be honest, when he came out of his box you could already see him at the stallion barn at the National Stud. "I'm a little lost for words to be honest, but I'm so delighted. He deserved to get that Group One today and I'm just so delighted to be involved with him." Despite defeat Charlie Appleby was still pleased with Notable Speech, who returned to form to an extent having failed to hit the heights of his three-year-old career so far this term. He said: "We're delighted with how the horse ran. Of course it's frustrating to be beaten by so little, but the most important thing is to see him back to his best. The mile is his optimum trip. We tried dropping him back last time - sometimes you need to experiment. "We'll probably go to Canada for the Woodbine Mile, and then head to the Breeders' Cup." Roger Teal, trainer of Dancing Gemini, said: "He really ran exceptionally well. The ground was probably a bit too quick, and perhaps he didn't fully settle in the last 100 metres. It was still a top-class performance. "Once again he showed huge ability, and a Group One win will come soon. He's also entered at Ascot but first we'll go to ParisLongchamp for the Prix du Moulin. "We're hoping to find slightly easier going, that's the next target. He doesn't need it heavy but just ground with a bit more give."
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Diego Velazquez strikes Group One gold for new owners
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was recently purchased by Sam Sangster and was running for the first time in the family's famous silks under Christophe Soumillon. The bay was running alongside stablemate The Lion In Winter in the Group One, who was joined by Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini in making much of the running throughout the one-mile trip. Diego Velazquez was always travelling well on the outside, however, and threw down his challenge in the final stages to see off a rapid finish on the inner rail from Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech, who was beaten just a head. Dancing Gemini was a further three-quarters of a length back in third. Diego Velazquez just holds on from the fast-finishing Notable Speech to land the Group One @AgaKhanStuds Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville! 🏆🇫🇷 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 17, 2025 The winning trainer said: 'This is a breeding operation that produces very good two- and three-year-olds. He's a superb model, a willing horse, his last run was very good and he really came to himself last week.' Diego Velazquez's last run was in the Minstrel Stakes, named in honour of the late Robert Sangster's dual Derby winner who ran in the same colours carried to success at Deauville on behalf of his son. Of that synchronicity, O'Brien added: 'The Minstrel Stakes has often proved an excellent stepping stone – it's a sharp 1,400 metres, and you need to be sharp. 'If you think about Ballydoyle's history, and the history of these colours with horses like The Minstrel, who could have imagined that we would have a horse running in Mr Sangster's silks? It's just incredible, and I'm so delighted for Sam – truly thrilled. 'We thought he might be a horse for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Keeneland and then possibly the Breeders' Cup Mile. He loves fast ground and he's quick. 'A lot of money has been spent this week on his stallion career. But sometimes money isn't what matters. What they achieved today – you can't buy that, those are memories.' An emotional Sangster was thrilled at his new acquisition's success, telling Sky Sports Racing: 'It means a lot, we're so lucky. 'MV (Magnier, former co-owner) is one of my oldest and greatest friends and when I came to him with the presentation of buying the horse to stand at the National Stud, he was fully supportive. 'We were lucky to buy him and we're even luckier now, that's for sure! 'He's an absolutely gorgeous horse, he's so tough, so genuine. He's a phenomenal mover and to be honest, when he came out of his box you could already see him at the stallion barn at the National Stud. 'I'm a little lost for words to be honest, but I'm so delighted. He deserved to get that Group One today and I'm just so delighted to be involved with him.' Notable Speech posted his best effort so far this year (Joe Giddens/PA) Despite defeat Charlie Appleby was still pleased with Notable Speech, who returned to form to an extent having failed to hit the heights of his three-year-old career so far this term. He said: 'We're delighted with how the horse ran. Of course it's frustrating to be beaten by so little, but the most important thing is to see him back to his best. The mile is his optimum trip. We tried dropping him back last time – sometimes you need to experiment. 'We'll probably go to Canada for the Woodbine Mile, and then head to the Breeders' Cup.' Roger Teal, trainer of Dancing Gemini, said: 'He really ran exceptionally well. The ground was probably a bit too quick, and perhaps he didn't fully settle in the last 100 metres. It was still a top-class performance. 'Once again he showed huge ability, and a Group One win will come soon. He's also entered at Ascot but first we'll go to ParisLongchamp for the Prix du Moulin. 'We're hoping to find slightly easier going, that's the next target. He doesn't need it heavy but just ground with a bit more give.'
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Diego Velazquez strikes Group One gold for new owners
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt was recently purchased by Sam Sangster and was running for the first time in the family's famous silks under Christophe Soumillon. The bay was running alongside stablemate The Lion In Winter in the Group One, who was joined by Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini in making much of the running throughout the one-mile trip. Diego Velazquez was always travelling well on the outside, however, and threw down his challenge in the final stages to see off a rapid finish on the inner rail from Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech, who was beaten just a head. Dancing Gemini was a further three-quarters of a length back in third. Diego Velazquez just holds on from the fast-finishing Notable Speech to land the Group One @AgaKhanStuds Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville! 🏆🇫🇷 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 17, 2025 The winning trainer said: 'This is a breeding operation that produces very good two- and three-year-olds. He's a superb model, a willing horse, his last run was very good and he really came to himself last week.' Diego Velazquez's last run was in the Minstrel Stakes, named in honour of the late Robert Sangster's dual Derby winner who ran in the same colours carried to success at Deauville on behalf of his son. Of that synchronicity, O'Brien added: 'The Minstrel Stakes has often proved an excellent stepping stone – it's a sharp 1,400 metres, and you need to be sharp. 'If you think about Ballydoyle's history, and the history of these colours with horses like The Minstrel, who could have imagined that we would have a horse running in Mr Sangster's silks? It's just incredible, and I'm so delighted for Sam – truly thrilled. 'We thought he might be a horse for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Keeneland and then possibly the Breeders' Cup Mile. He loves fast ground and he's quick. 'A lot of money has been spent this week on his stallion career. But sometimes money isn't what matters. What they achieved today – you can't buy that, those are memories.' An emotional Sangster was thrilled at his new acquisition's success, telling Sky Sports Racing: 'It means a lot, we're so lucky. 'MV (Magnier, former co-owner) is one of my oldest and greatest friends and when I came to him with the presentation of buying the horse to stand at the National Stud, he was fully supportive. 'We were lucky to buy him and we're even luckier now, that's for sure! 'He's an absolutely gorgeous horse, he's so tough, so genuine. He's a phenomenal mover and to be honest, when he came out of his box you could already see him at the stallion barn at the National Stud. 'I'm a little lost for words to be honest, but I'm so delighted. He deserved to get that Group One today and I'm just so delighted to be involved with him.' Despite defeat Charlie Appleby was still pleased with Notable Speech, who returned to form to an extent having failed to hit the heights of his three-year-old career so far this term. He said: 'We're delighted with how the horse ran. Of course it's frustrating to be beaten by so little, but the most important thing is to see him back to his best. The mile is hisoptimum trip. We tried dropping him back last time – sometimes you need to experiment. 'We'll probably go to Canada for the Woodbine Mile, and then head to the Breeders' Cup.' Roger Teal, trainer of Dancing Gemini, said: 'He really ran exceptionally well. The ground was probably a bit too quick, and perhaps he didn't fully settle in the last 100 metres. It was still a top-class performance. 'Once again he showed huge ability, and a Group One win will come soon. He's also entered at Ascot but first we'll go to ParisLongchamp for the Prix du Moulin. 'We're hoping to find slightly easier going, that's the next target. He doesn't need it heavy but just ground with a bit more give.'
