Diamond Necklace experienced her first defeat 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 entered the race with high expectations after a flawless six‑start 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 one of the most promising three‑year‑olds of her generation, and many believed she would continue her dominance on French soil. However, the seasoned veteran trained by Christophe Ferland proved too experienced for the young champion.
Ferland’s older mare, who had already secured a Group One triumph in the Prix Vermeille the previous year, displayed the composure and tactical speed that only a seasoned campaigner can muster. In a tightly contested finish, Aventure edged out Diamond Necklace, ending the latter’s unbeaten run and underscoring the depth of talent in the field. Close behind in third place was Timeforshowcasing, a Charlie Johnston‑trained runner who was ridden by Jack Mitchell.
The horse produced a strong performance, confirming that the race had been a true test of class rather than a one‑sided affair. Pierre‑Yves Bureau, the racing manager for the Wertheimer brothers, expressed his delight at the result.
He said, “We were thrilled when she captured the Prix Corrida earlier this year, but we may have erred 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’s performance was simply wonderful. She is a true champion, and while we look forward to her future as a broodmare, we will enjoy her racing career for as long as possible.” Aventure’s victory also had broader implications for the betting market.
After finishing second to Bluestocking in the 2024 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, she was quoted at 20/1 by Paddy Power for the upcoming renewal of the race. Her triumph over O'Brien’s star filly, guided by Maxime Guyon, reinforced her status as a top‑class middle‑distance performer. Despite the impressive showing, her connections have decided not to pursue a third attempt at Europe’s richest middle‑distance prize. The five‑year‑old will instead target the 10‑furlong Prix de l'Opera on Arc day, with a possible trip to Keeneland later in the season.
Bureau explained, “It’s unusual, but this filly is gaining speed as she matures, and ten furlongs now appears to be her optimum distance. She’s been prepared meticulously for this race. Our plan is to run her in the Prix de l'Opera and, if everything goes well, consider the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. We’ll take it step‑by‑step, one race at a time.” In other news, Senorita Bonita showcased her devastating turn of foot to claim 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 follow up her Newmarket Duchess of Cambridge Stakes win, a victory that had been boosted by the Lowther Stakes winner Libertango earlier in the week. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, Senorita Bonita was held toward the rear while the race unfolded.
With Clive Cox’s Royal Ascot victor Orthodox leading the early pace, the daughter of Starspangledbanner had ample ground to make up on Aidan O'Brien’s front‑running Carry The Flag as they entered the final third of the contest. When Murphy asked for acceleration, the response was immediate: Senorita Bonita not only erased the deficit but surged ahead of the long‑time pacesetter, securing a decisive and impressive victory.
Simon Crisford praised his filly’s performance, noting, “She displayed a brilliant turn of foot. The early fractions were strong, but she finished superbly and galloped out strongly.
She was a bit slow out of the gates and lingered behind early, yet the race set up perfectly for closers, and she proved the best of them. At halfway I briefly feared we might have a mountain to climb, but her acceleration at the furlong pole showed she would finish strongly.” This win marked the second Group One success for the father‑and‑son training partnership after Vandeek’s triumph in 2023, and continued the impressive record of fillies in the event, following Venetian Sun’s victory for Karl Burke a year earlier. The Victorious Racing‑owned Senorita Bonita 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 also feature recent York winner Sun Goddess.
Crisford added, “All roads now lead to the Cheveley Park at the end of September. It was a fantastic performance in a deep, deep renewal, and we’re extremely pleased.
Winning any Group One is a huge achievement, and we’re delighted for the entire team, especially for Shaikh Nasser (bin Hamed Al Khalifa) and Shaikh Khalid (bin Hamed Al Khalifa), whose support has been invaluable.” Both Aventure and Senorita Bonita exemplify the depth of talent present in European racing this season, with each filly demonstrating the ability to overcome strong fields, adapt to new distances, and deliver performances that will be remembered for years to come.