The decision to send Constitution River to Chantilly rather than Epsom paid off on Sunday, as the Wootton Bassett colt led home two of his stablemates home to success in the French Derby. Previously a seven-length winner of the Dee Stakes, he had to back that up rising sharply in grade. Stall 15 of 15 threw an almighty spanner into the works, but he was masterfully guided home by Ryan Moore.
Moore kept him wide initially, as Montreal set a strong gallop under Wayne Lordan. Constitution River eventually tucked in behind his stablemate, and was given a strong finish by Moore up the straight.
It was a truly run contest, with Constitution River recording the third fastest time in the race. Speaking to the Press Association, via Racing Post, Ryan Moore was full of praise immediately after as he said: “He’s done something which you don’t normally do, and that’s cover ground. Usually on the round track here the fence is always an advantage. He had obstacles to overcome and you wouldn’t ideally do what I did.
“It was the best card to play today and it’s only a horse with that talent that could overcome that. Today was probably the first time in his whole life he came off the bridle. We went a good gallop and I think every horse had his chance. We were the first three but the fourth and fifth came from near-on last. So it felt a well-run race where everything had its opportunity, and the best three horses came clear.
“He’s the sort of horse who could do whatever you ask him to do. He could drop back to a mile. I think he’d get a mile and a half if you needed him to.”
Patient approach favoured, but Aidan O’Brien ‘wouldn’t rule anything out’
Given he holds entries in six Group 1’s, everyone will be fascinated to see where this talented colt will be next. However, Aidan O’Brien appeared keen now to rush him, suggesting it could be until Autumn when we next see him.
After this success, O’Brien said: “He’s a big horse so I’d say we’ll probably take our time with him. I think he won’t be rushed in the middle of the summer. I wouldn’t be surprised if we give him a bit of time before his next run.
“It was a tough race today and I’d say it was an evenly run race today and those horses battled up the straight and so I’d say they had tough races. We’ll discuss it but I imagine the Lads will take their time with him. He could come back in the autumn.