3 minute read

Richard Hannon’s Rosallion stamped his 2000 Guineas credentials and got his career firmly back on track with a first Group 1 success in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardare at Longchamp.

The son of Blue Point created a huge impression when landing the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes on his second outing at Ascot but faltered on soft ground when sent off a red-hot favourite for the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last time.

With the Parisian weather holding sway, connections opted to take the trip to Longchamp, and it proved a fruitful visit with Rosallion bouncing back in the perfect way.

Held up towards the rear of the field due to being drawn out in stall ten, Rosallion could be spotted travelling sweetly with a couple of furlongs to run and once given the office by Sean Levey, he quickened up in the manner of a stylish performer.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Unquestionable finished a length behind back in second with the well-backed market leader and French-trained contender Beauvatier filling the third spot after a somewhat troubled passage in the run.

Sky Bet cut the winner to 14/1 from 25/1 for next year's 2000 Guineas, while Paddy Power and Betfair make him a 16/1 chance from 33/1.

Hannon said: "I just wanted him to show what he was capable of. The last day [Doncaster] we were so bitterly disappointed, it took us four hours to get to the track and I walked the last mile and a half two miles, so he must be a good horse to get me to do that!"

"It was a recovery mission, and in fairness to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum [owner] it was his idea to come here."

"He said the weather in France was going to be lovely and warm and we'll get fast ground."

When asked about a potential tilt at the Breeders' Cup, he added: I wouldn't write it off [Breeder's Cup] but I think it's unlikely and all roads should lead to Newmarket [2000 Guineas].

Winning rider Sean Levey said: "I was always going to win today. He had his ground and that's how good he is."