Diamond Necklace suffered her first loss when Aventure reminded everyone of her elite abilities in the Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet at Deauville. The filly, a product of Aidan O'Brien’s stable and a daughter of St Mark’s Basilica, had arrived in France with lofty expectations after a flawless six‑race campaign that included victories in the Prix Marcel Boussac, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and the Prix de Diane.
Those wins had cemented her reputation as an unbeaten star, and many believed she would continue to dominate on French soil. However, the seasoned veteran trained by Christophe Ferland proved too experienced for the rising talent. Ferland’s older filly, who had already added a Group One triumph in the Prix Vermeille to her résumé the previous year, displayed the poise and stamina that only a seasoned campaign can provide. In a tightly contested finish, Aventure edged out Diamond Necklace, ending the latter’s perfect record and underscoring the depth of talent in the field.
Close on their heels was the Charlie Johnston‑trained Timeforshowcasing, who secured a respectable third place under the guidance of jockey Jack Mitchell. The performance highlighted the competitive nature of the race, with several high‑profile connections represented. Pierre‑Yves Bureau, the racing manager for the Wertheimer brothers, expressed his delight at the outcome.
He said, “We were thrilled when she captured the Prix Corrida earlier this year, but we made a mistake by stretching her out to a mile and a half in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud. The field was strong, featuring Diamond Necklace among others, yet our mare delivered a wonderful performance.
She is a true champion, and while we will eventually consider her as a broodmare, we intend to enjoy her racing career for as long as possible.” Aventure’s victory over O'Brien’s star performer earned her a 20/1 quote from Paddy Power for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, where she had previously finished second to Bluestocking in 2024. Despite the tempting odds, her connections have decided against a third attempt at Europe’s most prestigious middle‑distance race. Instead, the five‑year‑old will be aimed at the 10‑furlong Prix de l'Opéra on Arc day, with a potential trip to Keeneland later in the season.
Bureau added, “It’s unusual, but this filly is gaining speed as she ages, and ten furlongs now seems to be her perfect distance. She’s been prepared meticulously for this race. Our plan is to target the Prix de l'Opéra, and if everything goes well we may consider the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. We’ll take it step‑by‑step, one race at a time.” In other news, Senorita Bonita displayed a devastating turn of foot to claim victory in the Sumbe Prix Morny.
The filly, purchased for 900,000 guineas at the April Craven Breeze‑Up sale and owned by Simon and Ed Crisford, arrived on the Normandy coast eager to build on her earlier win in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket. That triumph had been bolstered by a timely win from Lowther Stakes champion Libertango earlier in the week.
Ridden by Oisin Murphy, Senorita Bonita was held towards the rear for much of the race, while Clive Cox’s Royal Ascot winner Orthodox set the early pace. As the race entered its final third, Murphy asked for acceleration. The filly responded instantly, closing the gap on front‑runner Carry The Flag, an Aidan O'Brien entry, and then pulling clear to secure an emphatic win. Simon Crisford praised his charge, saying, “She showed a brilliant turn of foot.
The early fractions were quick, but she finished strongly, galloping out with great vigor. She was a bit slow out of the gates and lingered behind the bridle early, but the race suited the closers, and she was the best of them. At halfway I thought we might have a mountain to climb, but her acceleration at the furlong pole proved decisive.” This victory marked the second Group One win for the father‑son training partnership after Vandeek’s success in 2023, and it continued the strong record of fillies in the event, following Venetian Sun’s triumph for Karl Burke a year earlier.
The Victorious Racing‑owned filly now sets her sights on the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket, where bookmakers have offered her 5/2 odds. The race could see a rematch with Libertango and a showdown against recent York winner Sun Goddess. Crisford concluded, “All roads now lead to the Cheveley Park at the end of September. It was a fantastic performance in a deep, deep renewal.
Any Group One win is a massive achievement, and we’re delighted. It reflects the hard work of our staff and everyone involved, and it’s a great honor to win for Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid.” Both Aventure and Senorita Bonita have demonstrated that the new generation of fillies can not only challenge but also overcome established champions.
Their connections are now plotting careful campaigns that balance ambition with the need to preserve the health and longevity of these exceptional athletes. As the European summer progresses, fans can look forward to further thrilling contests, whether at Deauville, Newmarket or beyond, as these top‑class mares continue to write their own chapters in the annals of thoroughbred racing.