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 father‑son duo John and Thady Gosden, had been absent from the track for an entire season due to a lingering injury, but she returned this year with a clear purpose and a series of encouraging performances. Her resurgence began with a steady build‑up in the spring, and she quickly showed that the time away had not diminished her ability. After a modest run in her first comeback race, she followed up with a strong effort in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, where she chased down the winner, Diamond Necklace, in the final furlongs.
That performance hinted that she was regaining her best form and set the stage for a return to France for the prestigious Prix Vermeille. The race itself was run over a mile and a half, a distance that marked her first attempt at that trip since her earlier Group One triumph in the Prix de l'Opera two years ago. Despite the added distance, there were no visible signs of fatigue from jockey James Doyle, who positioned Friendly Soul at the front from the very start. The mare settled into a comfortable rhythm, taking the lead early and dictating the pace as the field turned into the home straight.
As the race progressed, Friendly Soul and her stablemate Composing established a clear advantage over the rest of the field. The pair opened up a healthy gap while the other contenders began to close in from behind. Among those chasing were Pink Panthera and Sunly, both of whom made a late surge in the final furlongs.
Sunly, in particular, appeared to be an unlucky runner‑up after a poor start that saw her lose ground and encounter traffic problems in the straight, limiting her ability to mount a full challenge. Nevertheless, the Gosden‑trained filly displayed enough stamina and determination to hold off the late‑closing threats. When the finish line came into view, Friendly Soul crossed first, confirming her dominance and adding another Group One title to her résumé.
After the race, Thady Gosden praised the decision to keep the mare in training at her age, describing it as "a hugely sporting decision" by owners George and Julia Strawbridge. He reflected on her previous victory in the Prix de l'Opera, noting that while she had taken the lead there as well, she had been pressured in the final stages and never truly got a breather. "She likes to do things her own way," Gosden said, emphasizing the filly's independent racing style. He also highlighted her resilience and talent, calling her "a hugely talented filly and very tough too." The trainer expressed satisfaction at seeing her back at her best after a year‑long layoff, underscoring the importance of patience and careful management in bringing a high‑class mare back to top form.
With the Prix Vermeille victory under her belt, Friendly Soul now stands as a 16‑1 contender for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, according to Coral's odds. When asked about the possibility of targeting Europe's premier middle‑distance race, Gosden admitted that the mile‑and‑half distance was still somewhat unfamiliar territory for the filly, as it was her first attempt at that length since her Opera win. He said, "It was obviously her first time over a mile and a half, so it was slightly unknown territory before this." He added 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 explained. This cautious optimism suggests that the connections will weigh her performance in the Vermeille against the demands of the Arc before making a final decision. Friendly Soul's story this season is a testament to the value of careful rehabilitation, patient training, and the willingness to give a proven mare a second chance at the highest level.
Her ability to regain top‑class form after a year away, to adapt to a new distance, and to deliver a decisive victory against quality opposition demonstrates why she remains one of the most respected fillies in European racing. As the racing calendar moves forward, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether she will take on the ultimate test at Longchamp in October, potentially adding another legendary chapter to her already impressive career.