Ramatuelle lifts Papin prize at Chantilly

Filly impresses with easy Group Two triumph.

Ramatuelle looks another high-class performer for Christopher Head after the filly became the first French-trained winner of the Prix Robert Papin for 10 years.

The Group Two at Chantilly has been dominated by overseas raiders in recent years, with the likes of Tis Marvellous, Signora Cabello and Blackbeard all on the roll of honour.

This time though, it was all about Head’s hugely-promising filly, who has won three of her four starts.

Her only defeat came on her second outing when beaten by Beauvatier, a subsequent Listed winner who is now unbeaten in three.

She was always travelling very kindly in the hands of Aurelien Lemaitre and once asked to put the race to bed, there was never a question she was going to quicken away.

Amy Murphy’s Myconian briefly threatened to get involved but it was Aidan O’Brien’s His Majesty who stayed on for second, beaten four lengths.

It continues a great season for Head, who has enjoyed plenty of success with Blue Rose Cen and Big Rock already.

Former NBA star Tony Parker is one of the owners of Ramatuelle
Former NBA star Tony Parker is one of the owners of Ramatuelle (PA Wire)

The winning filly is owned by a syndicate which includes former NBA star Tony Parker, who told Sky Sports Racing: “It was a great win and I’m very happy for the team.

“The coach has a plan and now it’s on for the (Prix) Morny next month.

“She’s at home here, that’s her third win here and she’s clearly comfortable here at Chantilly, hopefully it will be the same next month.

“She’s super calm, it looks like she knows what she wants to do and she’s loving it. Her number one quality is her calmness. She has a huge heart and huge talent.

“I just like to share everything with our team, we share the same passion.”

Head said: “She was incredible, she loves the speed and she’ll be going to the Morny for sure. I just can’t wait to get to that race.

“I was not concerned about her being keen as there was nobody who wanted to go in front of her, she’s capable of doing better than that, of course.

“She’s pretty much like an older horse, it’s a pleasure to see her in races behave this way.”

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