La Cressonniere wins Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly

Ridden by Cristian Demuro, the race favourite lived up to billing and came home half a length clear of Left Hand in second, with Volta taking third place to complete a French 1-2-3.

The success gave trainer Jean-Claude Rouget his fourth winner in the race and was also his second Group 1 winner in the space of three days after Qemah won the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday.

Ballydoyle was unable to pose a threat after being hampered at the start, while the only British challenger in the race, Swiss Range, faded in the straight after initially racing quite prominently.

The race was not without its drama as about a furlong and a half from home the Pierre-Charles Boudot-ridden Armande clipped heels with Highlands Queen and came down, while Tierra Del Fuego was pulled up entering the home straight.

After a stewards’ inquiry, Highlands Queen was deemed the main perpetrator of the interference and was placed last.

La Cressonniere however managed to avoid most of the trouble and was produced by Demuro on the wide outside. Despite drifting right, she was able to get the measure of Left Hand to extend her unbeaten record to five races and is now considered a serious contender for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

The trainer said: “She can do it all. It is an absolute dream because she is just so good.”
Demuro added: “She is incredible. I said to myself at one stage we were too far back but I know her by heart and I knew she could do it.”

The 167th Prix de Diane Longines is the world’s top race for fillies and was one of nine exciting races on the card at Chantilly racecourse.

Swiss watchmaker Longines, was once again the Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Watch of the event, and presented Longines Master Collection watches to the winning jockey, owner and trainer.