Friendly Soul took command from the very first stride to secure her second Group One victory in the Qatar Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp, delivering a performance that underscored her class and determination. The five‑year‑old mare, trained by the distinguished John and Thady Gosden, had previously dazzled on the big stage when she captured the Prix de l'Opera during Arc weekend two years earlier.
Unfortunately, an injury forced her out of competition for the entire previous season, leaving fans eager for her return. Since resuming her campaign, the filly has shown a steady progression, building fitness and confidence over three carefully chosen runs. Her most recent effort before the French contest saw her finish a close second to Diamond Necklace in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, where she displayed a turn of foot that hinted at her latent stamina. The Prix Vermeille presented a new challenge: a mile and a half distance, a trip she had never attempted before.
Nevertheless, jockey James Doyle appeared unfazed by the added length, guiding Friendly Soul straight to the front from the start. The mare settled comfortably in the lead, dictating a steady tempo while the rest of the field settled into a chasing rhythm. As the race unfolded, Friendly Soul and her stablemate Composing forged a clear gap from the main pack around the final turn, establishing a comfortable cushion. From further back, Pink Panthera and Sunly began to make their moves, attempting to close the distance in the straight.
Sunly, in particular, seemed to have been disadvantaged by a poor break and some traffic congestion in the final furlong, which may have cost her the win. Despite the late surge from the outsiders, the Gosden‑trained filly possessed enough reserve to repel the challenge and cross the line first. After the race, Thady Gosden praised the decision to keep Friendly Soul in training at her age, calling it a "hugely sporting" choice 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 early in that race, she faced significant pressure in the final straight and never truly found a moment to breathe.
"She’s an incredibly talented filly and remarkably tough," Gosden added, expressing his delight at seeing her back to peak form. He highlighted her willingness to do things her own way, a trait that makes her a formidable competitor. Looking ahead, Friendly Soul is currently priced at 16‑1 for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on the Coral betting board.
When asked whether the Arc might now be a realistic target, Gosden admitted that the mile‑and‑half distance was uncharted territory for the mare, describing the Prix Vermeille as a "slightly unknown" test of her staying power. "I haven’t spoken to George and Julia yet about their plans," he said. "We’ll assess how she feels after this race and then decide where they’d like to take her.
The Arc is certainly an option, and it would be wonderful to have her in that race." The victory in the Prix Vermeille not only adds a second Group One accolade to Friendly Soul’s résumé but also serves as a strong indicator that she can handle the extended distance required for the Arc. Her performance suggests a blend of speed, stamina, and tenacity that is rare among older fillies. Fans of Sky Sports Racing can stay updated with the latest horse racing news, interviews, and features on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of thoroughbred racing.
The triumph of Friendly Soul is a reminder of the sport’s unpredictable excitement and the enduring appeal of a well‑trained, resilient champion returning to form after adversity.