Diamond Necklace experienced her first defeat when Aventure reminded everyone of her elite abilities in the Summe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet at Deauville. The filly, a daughter of St. Mark's Basilica and trained by Aidan O'Brien, had been expected to shine once more in France after an unbeaten six‑race campaign that included victories in the Prix Marcel Boussac, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and the Prix de Diane. Yet the seasoned veteran trained by Christophe Ferland proved too experienced, adding another Group One win to her résumé after last year’s triumph in the Prix Vermeille.
In third place, close on the heels of the winner, was the Charlie Johnston‑trained Timeforshowcasing, who delivered a strong performance under jockey Jack Mitchell. Pierre‑Yves Bureau, the racing manager for the Wertheimer brothers, expressed his delight: "We were thrilled when she won 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 showed what a true champion looks like. We’ll eventually retire her to broodmare duties, but for now we intend to keep her on the track." Aventure, who finished second to Bluestocking in the 2024 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, was quoted at 20/1 by Paddy Power for the upcoming renewal after besting O'Brien's star in a race ridden by Maxime Guyon. However, the five‑year‑old will not attempt a third run in Europe’s richest middle‑distance contest.
Instead, her connections plan to keep her at the ten‑furlong distance for the Prix de l'Opera on Arc day, with a possible trip to Keeneland later in the season. "It’s unusual, but this filly is gaining speed as she ages, and ten furlongs now suits her perfectly," Bureau added.
"She’s been prepared meticulously for this race. After the Opera, we may consider the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, but 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 Summe Prix Morny.
The 900,000‑guineas top lot from the April Craven Breeze‑Up sale, owned by Simon and Ed Crisford, arrived on the Normandy coast eager to follow up her Newmarket Duchess of Cambridge Stakes win, a triumph that had been boosted earlier in the week by Lowther Stakes winner Libertango. Held back early by jockey Oisin Murphy, with Clive Cox’s Royal Ascot winner Orthodox ahead, the Starspangledbanner‑by filly had ample ground to make up on Aidan O'Brien’s front‑running Carry The Flag as the race entered its final third. When Murphy asked for acceleration, Senorita Bonita responded instantly, not only erasing the deficit but also pulling away from the early pace‑setter to secure a convincing win. "She showed a brilliant turn of foot," Crisford said.
"The fractions were quick, but she finished superbly, galloping out strongly. She was a bit slow out of the gates and lingered behind early, but the race set up for closers and she was the best of them. At the halfway point I briefly wondered if we’d have a mountain to climb, but her acceleration at the furlong pole made it clear she’d finish strongly." The father‑son training duo celebrated their second Group One victory after Vandeek’s 2023 win, continuing the strong record of fillies in this race following Venetian Sun’s success for Karl Burke a year earlier.
Senorita Bonita, now owned by Victorious Racing, will target further top‑level honors in the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. Bookmakers have made her a 5/2 favourite for a contest that could see a rematch with Libertango and a showdown with recent York winner Sun Goddess.
"All roads now lead to the Cheveley Park at the end of September," Crisford continued. "It was a deep, deep renewal and a truly pleasing effort; she looked impressive throughout.
Any Group One win is fantastic, and we’re delighted. It’s a testament to the staff back home and everyone involved, and a great victory for Shaikh Nasser (bin Hamed Al Khalifa) and Shaikh Khalid (bin Hamed Al Khalifa)." Both Aventure and Senorita Bonita illustrate the depth of talent in this generation of fillies, each overcoming different challenges to secure Group One triumphs. Aventure’s ability to rebound from a distance‑testing mistake and dominate at ten furlongs underscores her versatility, while Senorita Bonita’s explosive finish highlights the importance of timing and tactical riding. Their connections are now plotting future campaigns that could see them travel internationally, testing their mettle against the world’s best.
As the season progresses, fans will watch closely to see whether these champions can add more laurels to their already impressive records, potentially shaping the breeding landscape for years to come.