Friendly Soul once again proved her class by securing a second Group One victory in the Qatar Prix Vermeille at Longchamp, Paris. The five‑year‑old mare, trained by the husband‑and‑wife duo John and Thady Gosden, had been absent for an entire season due to injury, but she returned this year with a series of impressive performances that culminated in a dominant display at the French classic.
Her pedigree of top‑level success includes a win in the Prix de l'Opéra during the Arc weekend two years ago, a race that highlighted her ability to handle the rigors of elite competition. After missing the 2023 campaign, Friendly Soul was carefully eased back into racing, making three starts this season. Her most recent effort before the Prix Vermeille saw her finish a close second to Diamond Necklace in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, where she demonstrated both speed and tenacity over a demanding distance. The Prix Vermeille presented a new challenge: a mile and a half, a distance she had never attempted before.
Despite the added stamina test, jockey James Doyle showed no hesitation. From the moment the gates opened, he guided Friendly Soul straight to the front, allowing her to set the tempo and dictate the terms of the race. The mare settled well, and as the field rounded the home turn she and her stablemate Composing had already established a comfortable gap over the main chasing pack. Behind them, two late‑running contenders, Pink Panthera and Sunly, began to make their moves.
Sunly, in particular, appeared to be a victim of a troubled trip, having missed the start and then having to navigate through a bottleneck of horses in the straight. Although both challengers produced a spirited finish, Friendly Soul retained enough reserve to repel the late surge and cross the line first.
After the race, Thady Gosden praised the decision by owners George and Julia Strawbridge to keep the mare in training at an advanced age. "It was a hugely sporting decision from her owners to keep her in training at this age," he told Sky Sports Racing. He reflected on her previous triumph in the Prix de l'Opéra, noting that while she had taken the lead there as well, she faced significant pressure in the final straight and never truly got a moment to breathe.
"She likes to do things her own way and took James to the front there, but she didn't get an easy lead at all – she got attacked in the false straight and was never really able to get a breather," Gosden explained. He continued, emphasizing the filly's resilience and talent. "Obviously she's a hugely talented filly and very tough too.
It's great to have her back to her best," he added, underscoring the satisfaction of seeing her return to top form after a long lay‑off. Looking ahead, Friendly Soul has now been quoted at 16‑1 for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on the Coral betting board.
When asked whether the Arc could be a realistic target, Gosden admitted that the mile‑and‑half distance was uncharted territory for the mare. "It was obviously her first time over a mile and a half, so it was slightly unknown territory before this," he said. He noted that discussions with the owners are still ongoing.
"I haven't had a chance to speak to George and Julia yet, we'll see how she comes out of the race and see where they'd like to go with her, but of course it's great to have it (Arc) as an option," he concluded. Friendly Soul's resurgence is a testament to careful management, patient rehabilitation, and the inherent class that allowed her to compete at the highest level as a five‑year‑old.
Her victory not only adds a second Group One to her record but also reopens the conversation about older mares remaining competitive in the sport’s most prestigious events. As the racing calendar progresses, enthusiasts will be watching closely to see whether she will indeed take a shot at the Arc, a race that would further cement her legacy as one of the modern era's most versatile and enduring fillies. For fans who want to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature stories, Sky Sports Racing offers a comprehensive platform accessible via mobile devices, ensuring that every development in Friendly Soul's campaign—and the broader world of horse racing—can be followed in real time.