Amusingly displayed a remarkable level of class as she outclassed the colts to claim the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp in Paris. Trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard made a bold call by moving his Juddmonte‑owned filly from the Prix Marcel Boussac, a race restricted to fillies, into a mixed‑sex contest.
The gamble paid off handsomely, confirming the filly’s high‑class credentials. Colin Keane, aboard Amusingly, settled his mount towards the rear of the field in the early stages, allowing her to settle behind the odds‑on favourite, Folsom Blues. Both horses travelled smoothly and appeared to be in good rhythm.
However, when the finishing straight arrived, the momentum shifted dramatically. Joseph O'Brien’s National Stakes winner, Folsom Blues, could not match the late acceleration that Amusingly produced. The daughter of No Nay Never surged ahead, pulling clear in a display of power and elegance that left the crowd in awe. Graffard reflected on the victory, saying, "She beat the filly that finished second in the Marcel Boussac very easily, so I was relieved I hadn't made a mistake." He added that the filly’s speed profile suggested she might be better suited to a sprint‑type race such as the Commonwealth Cup rather than a classic mile race next season.
The trainer admitted that plans for a potential Breeders' Cup appearance were still being discussed with the ownership group. "Today is a big win, so I just want to enjoy it, give her a good winter and look forward to next year.
What she did today was wonderful," he concluded. The Lagardere, run over seven furlongs, was a furlong shorter than the Boussac, a factor that influenced the decision to enter Amusingly. Keane explained, "The choice to run her here rather than in the Boussac was a collective one.
She had struggled to finish the final half‑furlong in a mile race, so dropping back to seven made sense, even though we were up against colts." He praised the filly’s composure, noting that she was calmer, less gassy, and executed her race plan perfectly in the first half. "She showed how well she can quicken when asked," Keane added, while leaving the door open on her future distance preferences.
"Time will tell if she's a Guineas filly; she certainly has the pace, but I see no reason she can’t handle a mile." In the same meeting, Joseph O'Brien secured another Group One victory with Green Empress, who edged out Data to win the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac. Green Empress has never finished outside the top two in her career and has paid tribute to the outstanding Sun Goddess, the only filly to have beaten her on three separate occasions. Riding confidently, Christophe Soumillon guided Green Empress to the front with a half‑furlong remaining, only to be challenged by Christoper Head’s Data in a thrilling finish.
O'Brien praised his charge, saying, "It’s special to have a Group One winner on this day. She’s been progressive all season and only beaten by Sun Goddess.
Her pedigree is superb – by Saxon Warrior out of a Sea The Stars mare – and we see her as a miler who could stretch to ten furlongs later on." He also hinted at possible plans for a Breeders' Cup campaign or a wait until next year, depending on how the filly emerges from the race. The day’s successes added to a stellar year for O'Brien, who highlighted the importance of strong owner support and a diverse stable. "Our aim is to perform and execute at the biggest meetings. Having a big winner on Arc day is fantastic," he said.
Jack Nicholls, a 20‑year‑old jockey, fulfilled a family legacy by winning his first Group One aboard the supplemented Miss Yechance in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines. The grandson of David “Dandy” Nicholls – a legendary sprint trainer who won the same race in 2002 on Continent – and son of former jockey‑turned‑trainer Adrian Nicholls, Jack seized the opportunity with both hands. In the final furlong he found himself side‑by‑side with Ryan Moore on Mission Central, timing his run perfectly to clinch the victory for Karl Burke’s filly, while Shiri finished second.
Nicholls described the emotion of the win: "I’ve never felt anything like it; words can’t describe it. I can’t take much credit – she does everything herself and I’m just the lucky lad on the seat.
I try to keep her happy and she does the rest." He expressed gratitude to the owners and trainer for trusting a young rider with a Group One ride. Regarding his family’s sprinting heritage, he said, "The Nicholls name is synonymous with sprinters. My granddad was one of the best sprint trainers ever, my dad has two Group Ones, so it would feel odd not to be riding sprints. Continent was a special horse for the family; we had him in the field in retirement.
If I could pick any Group One, it would be the Abbaye." Nicholls also reflected on the emotional significance for the Burke yard, which had suffered a setback the previous day when stable star Fallen Angel was lost. "It’s great for the yard – after a tough day with Fallen Angel, it felt like she was looking down and helped us in those last 50 yards.
It’s very special," he added. Overall, the meeting showcased the depth of talent across trainers, owners, and jockeys, with Amusingly’s dominant performance, Green Empress’s hard‑fought victory, and Jack Nicholls’ breakthrough all underscoring the excitement of top‑level flat racing. The results will shape future plans for these promising horses, whether it be targeting classic mile races, sprint championships, or even international contests such as the Breeders' Cup.
The narrative of bold decisions, family legacies, and emerging stars continues to enrich the sport and keep fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter.