Dante victor Pride Of Arras regains his prowess during his comeback at York, coinciding with trainer Aidan O'Brien's observation that the race was chaotic, and Lambourn underperforming.
Pride of Arras Triumphs in Great Voltigeur Stakes, Ruling Out St Leger and Arc de Triomphe Bids
In a surprising turn of events at York Racecourse, Pride of Arras, trained by Ralph Beckett, clinched victory in the Great Voltigeur Stakes on Saturday. The son of New Bay, bred by owners Vimy and David Aykroyd, bested the Australia colt, Lambourn, who had come into the race as the hot 4-5 favourite after winning the Chester Vase, Derby, and Irish Derby.
Lambourn, another horse trained by Ralph Beckett, finished fifth in the race, three lengths behind Pride of Arras. The Dual Derby winner's run in the Great Voltigeur Stakes caused him to drift markedly for both the St Leger and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, going from a general 16-1 chance to as big as 50-1 for the Arc.
Pride of Arras's victory came as a welcome relief for his trainer, who stated that the gelding operation has made him a different horse to deal with. The gelding, who had struggled in the Dante and the Derby, bounced back with a win in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. However, his win means he cannot compete in the St Leger or the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Scandinavia, who finished third in the race, expressed his displeasure with the slow and messy nature of the race, stating that it was not suitable for Lambourn, a high-tempo, mile-and-a-half horse. Scandinavia, hardening to even-money from 5-4, is now the new favourite for the St Leger.
Stay True, who finished one place ahead of Lambourn in fourth at York, was cut to 12-1 for the St Leger. Queen's Vase winner Carmers finished second in the Great Voltigeur Stakes.
Ralph Beckett, Pride of Arras's trainer, is considering racing the gelding in California or Hong Kong. Pride of Arras was gelded after struggling in the Derby. His respiratory issues, which were not helping him in the spring, seem to have subsided, allowing him to perform at his best in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. Pride of Arras won the race by a length.
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