Saturday, 14 July 2012: French challenger Giofra claimed the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket for Alain de Royer-Dupre and Christophe Soumillon.
 | Winning trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre
Photo by HKJC | |
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The Andre Fabre-trained Golden Lilac was sent off the odds-on favourite to build on her comeback victory at Longchamp, but she ran deplorably as her compatriot stole the show.
For a long way it appeared man of the moment John Gosden may register yet another big-race triumph as Elusive Kate kicked for home over a furlong out, but 10-1 shot Giofra soon went in pursuit and grabbed the prize by half a length. A third French runner, Siyouma, was third.
Soumillon said: "The pace wasn't that quick. I wouldn't say I wasn't happy, but a quicker pace would have been better as she was a bit keen. When I asked her to go at the two-furlong marker she was going very well and I knew I just had Frankie to beat."
Royer-Dupre added: "I thought she was a seriously good filly. I've known that for a long time, but she had a slight problem earlier in the year.
It was a risk to run at a mile, because I feel she can continue over 10 furlongs. The Nassau Stakes at Goodwood is a possibility. If the ground is soft later in the year she could go for the Prix de l'Opera, but there is a chance she could go for the Arc if she stays 12 furlongs."
Fabre said of Golden Lilac: "Probably, she didn't settle. She ran too free."
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