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 from the track for an entire season after suffering an injury, but she returned this year with a series of impressive performances that culminated in a dominant win over 2,400 metres. Her previous top‑level triumph came two years earlier when she captured the Prix de l'Opéra during the Arc weekend, a race that cemented her reputation as a high‑calibre filly. After missing the 2024 campaign, the Gosdens carefully managed her comeback, giving her three starts to build fitness.
The most recent of those was a valiant effort in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, where she chased down Diamond Necklace and showed that the stamina and turn of foot that made her a Group One winner were still intact. On the day of the Prix Vermeille, the mare was asked to stretch out to a mile and a half for the first time since her return to France.
Jockey James Doyle, who has partnered her on several occasions, showed no hesitation about the added distance. From the moment the gates opened, he guided Friendly Soul straight to the front, allowing her to dictate the pace.
The early fractions were comfortable, and the filly settled into a rhythm that suited her long‑run style. As the field turned the home bend, Friendly Soul and the outsider Composing had already carved out a clear advantage over the rest of the pack. Behind them, Pink Panthera and Sunly began to make their moves, attempting to close the gap.
Sunly, in particular, seemed to have been disadvantaged by a poor break and some traffic trouble in the straight, which likely cost her a chance at the win. Nevertheless, the Gosden‑trained mare responded with a powerful finishing kick, extending her lead and crossing the line well ahead of her rivals. After the race, Thady Gosden praised the decision to keep Friendly Soul in training at her age, describing it as a "hugely sporting" choice by owners George and Julia Strawbridge. He recalled her previous victory in the Prix de l'Opéra, noting that even then she had shown a willingness to take the lead early and fight off challenges in the final straight.
"She likes to do things her own way," Gosden said, adding that the filly had to endure a hard battle that day and never really got a breather, which only highlighted her toughness and determination. The trainer also emphasized the filly's talent, calling her "hugely talented" and "very tough".
He expressed delight at seeing her return to peak form after the long lay‑off, underscoring the careful management that has allowed her to stay sound and competitive. Looking ahead, Friendly Soul has been quoted at 16‑1 for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on the Coral betting platform. When asked whether the Arc might now be a realistic target, Gosden admitted that the mile‑and‑half distance was new territory for the mare, describing it as "slightly unknown" before this race.
He said he had not yet spoken to the owners about their long‑term plans, but that the possibility of an Arc campaign would certainly be on the table if she emerges from the Prix Vermeille in good condition. The win also adds an extra layer of intrigue to the European middle‑distance calendar, as many observers will now keep a close eye on the filly's preparation for the autumn classics. If she can replicate her performance on the day of the Arc, she could become one of the few older mares to challenge for the race, joining an elite group of horses that have defied age conventions at Longchamp.
In summary, Friendly Soul's victory in the Prix Vermeille was a masterclass in patience, tactical acumen, and raw ability. She overcame the challenges of a new distance, a competitive field, and a demanding race schedule to emerge as the clear winner. Her connections—trainer John Gosden, his son Thady, jockey James Doyle, and owners George and Julia Strawbridge—have all played a pivotal role in guiding her back to the top.
With the Arc looming on the horizon, the racing world will be watching closely to see whether this remarkable mare can add another historic triumph to her already impressive résumé.