Tag Archive for: Trinity College

Jean-Claude Rouget back in the big time courtesy of Leffard

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Jean-Claude Rouget returned to the Group One winner’s enclosure as Leffard got up to deny Trinity College in a pulsating finish to the Cygagames Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp.

The dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning trainer – who has had health battles and seen his string much reduced over the last year – was clearly emotional after Cristian Demuro put Leffard’s head down right on the line to edge out Aidan O’Brien’s Trinity College.

Ryan Moore and Trinity College had tracked Frankly Good Cen before switching out and showing a smart turn of foot, one that looked like it would seal matters. That was not counting for Leffard, however, and he too picked up in great style when asked to leave the pair battling out.

After the shortest of waits, Leffard – who holds an Arc entry – was announced the winner, putting a below-par effort in the Prix du Jockey Club – in which Trinity College had been fourth before winning at Royal Ascot – behind him and fully justifying the decision to supplement for the Paris showpiece.

Rouget told Sky Sports Racing: “It was fantastic when I saw the horse coming. I was very confident there was not a big difference between the two (Leffard and Trinity College).

“I knew he was very good, but I had to find a new confidence in him (after the Prix du Jockey-Club). He was so well this week and the field was not tremendous I decided to supplement him. When I saw six runners, it was possible to be third and we did better.

“I think yes (he is an Arc horse), because when I bought him I was sure I bought a good horse.

“It’s a big fairytale, life continues and we do other things.”

Rouget said the Prix Niel would be the Arc prep race for his winner, and added: “This is a great moment for my team in Pau. It’s hard to sum it all up in a few words. Their support is what kept me going. Without them, I would have quit.

Leffard powers up alongside Trinity College to win the Grand Prix de Paris
Leffard powers up alongside Trinity College to win the Grand Prix de Paris (Scoopdyga)

“My assistant, Jean-Rene Dubosc, did a remarkable job. He took two weeks off and will be returning from vacation a happy man!”

Demuro said: “It’s incredible for Jean-Claude Rouget. He made the trip here and I’m so happy for him.

“It’s amazing that he’s back and winning a Group race. He’s a father figure to me. Leffard is a superb horse, and I had a great trip – he’s really top class.”

Of Trinity College, who was trying 12 furlongs for the first time, O’Brien said: “He ran a very good race. I don’t think there’s much more to say. The distance wasn’t an issue.”

In third was New Ground, who was fourth in the Derby at Epsom but did not help his chance here in pulling far too hard for Colin Keane.

His trainer Henri-François Devin said: “He was very sharp throughout the race. He’s a somewhat tricky horse. The pace was too slow for him — below what he needs. Even so, he finished very well, which is impressive for a horse that pulled so much.

“For now, we’ll shorten him up. Once he settles down more, we might revisit longer distances.”

Trinity College has all the answers in Hampton Court Stakes

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Trinity College produced a dominant front-running display in the Hampton Court Stakes to complete a treble on day three of Royal Ascot for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.

With the formidable pair having already landed the Norfolk with Charles Darwin and the Ribblesdale with Garden Of Eden, French Derby fourth Trinity College was the 5-2 favourite for his Group Three assignment and dictated at the head of affairs from the start.

Tornado Alert, fourth in the 2000 Guineas and sixth in the Derby, was Trinity College’s nearest pursuer throughout and tried to keep tabs on him in the straight, but the winner found another gear inside the final furlong and was well on top as he passed the post with three and a half lengths in hand.

O’Brien was delighted to see the son of Dubawi get his moment in the spotlight after his fine effort at Chantilly last time and said: “It was a lovely run in the French Derby and Wayne (Lordan) rode him the last day and we were very happy.

“He wasn’t beaten that far and he turned around the form with Detain (third in Chantilly) here.

“Ryan gave him a lovely, uncomplicated ride. He’s a lovely, straightforward horse and his trip is a mile and a quarter.

“We’ve always thought he was a nice horse and he’s only really started to progress now – you would have to be very happy with that.

“I would say 10 furlongs is his trip and he’s very comfortable at that distance because he’s not slow.

“He could go to America and there is an American Derby (at Churchill Downs) he could run in but the problem is it is only in a couple of weeks, so we will have to see how he is, it could be too soon. He’s a good member of the team.”

Trinity College provided Moore with his 90th winner at the Royal meeting, 17 years on from his first at the summer showpiece aboard Sir Michael Stoute’s Colony.

Moore said: “It’s great to get to 90. I’ve rode for great people for a lot of years and a lot of people who put in a lot of hard work and sweat. Obviously having Aidan in my corner is also a massive help.”

Saeed bin Suroor is eager to get Tornado Alert’s head in front next time.

He said: “He ran well to finish sixth in the Derby, and now second in a nice race here is good. He is improving. We will see how he comes out of this, but we will look for a Group Three race.”

Glittering Legend was third for James Fanshawe but the trainer expects the horse to move to a new country now.

He said: “He ran really well. He got a bump early on, which just set him alight a bit, but he dropped his head really well and kept on well.

“Unfortunately, I think he’s off to Hong Kong now, but he’s done really well. I think it will turn out to be a good race.”