The 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe second Aventure bounced back to form after something of a surprise winner in the Prix Jean Romanet on Sunday.
Having gone into Deauville unbeaten in six, on paper it looked relatively straightforward for Diamond Necklace. The St Mark’s Basilica filly was seeking a quintet of Group 1’s, latterly landing the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
No three-year-old, nor Aidan O’Brien, has won the contest and Diamond Necklace failed to change that. Fellow three-year-old filly Timeforshowcasing followed her home in third, backing up her German Group 1 nose defeat.
Aventure had been slightly below form this season, beginning with a third to Daryz in April. She was entitled to win the Prix Corrida down in grade, before a lesser effort behind Calandagan at Saint-Cloud.
The Sea The Stars mare travelled strongly to the fore, well positioned throughout by Maxine Guyon. She got the gap toward the inside of the far-side rail, and displayed a strong turn of foot. Long-time leader Timeforshowcasing fell back late on, while there was seemingly no excuses for Diamond Necklace in second.
Christophe Ferland on ‘cloud nine’ following Aventure return to form
Second in an Arc and a Prix Vermeille winner, it’s clear Aventure is not your average mare. Speaking to the Press Association, via the Racing Post, Christophe Ferland said: “My initial thoughts are that I train an exceptional mare. Who has already been second in an Arc, who has won a Vermeille and is a real champion.
“Today we were able to bring her back to 2,000 metres and that has proved to be the right decision. It’s not the same decision we would have taken when she was three. It is just that, with time and maturity, she has got stronger and faster. She’s in the Arc but will run in the Opera over this trip before heading to the Breeders’ Cup. If all goes well.”
Ferland could hardly hide his admiration for the mare, as he continued: “An eon ago I won the Morny and now to win this race at Deauville. A place where the public and the whole racing family is present, it’s an exceptional moment for me.
“When you have a great mare like Aventure, who has won a Group 1 and been there at the finish in some of the great races. You always have that slight bitterness if you can’t see her pass the post in front again at the highest level. So it’s a great satisfaction as well as a relief, and I’m on cloud nine.”