CORONATION STAKES

(GROUP 1)

IN an incident packed race, French raider Qemah landed the Group 1 Coronation Stakes in convincing style from Nemoralia and Alice Springs.

The contest would require several viewings to determine exactly what happened but there is little doubt that both the second and the third suffered a poor run through and both can be considered unlucky not to have finished closer.

Jet Setting has been a revelation since joining Adrian Keatley and her victory over Minding in the Irish 1000 Guineas more of less ensured that she would start favourite here. She was below her best however and faded after leading the field off the home turn.

Ryan Moore on Alice Springs was shuffled back as he tried to make ground and finally had to come around the field to get any sort of run.

IMPRESSIVE

Meanwhile, hugely impressive York winner Nemoralia, who needed faster ground, had little room between horses with Olivier Peslier trying desperately for an opening.

When it came it was all too late because Gregory Benoist on Qemah (6/1) was away and setting sail for home. There was no catching her, although Nemoralia closed the gap to just under two lengths at the line with Alice Springs only inches behind

Qemah, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, had top-class form herself, having finished third in the Marcel Boussac on Arc day and third again in the French 1000 Guineas. She was giving her prolific trainer Jean-Claude Rouget his second win in succession this race, Ervedya having triumphed last year.

“I was very confident after the French Guineas and looking forward to this race,” he said. “She was a little nervous at Deauville but today she was more confident and won easily. For me to win this race, it’s like a dream.”

Benoist is a top-flight rider these days and took this first Royal Ascot victory in his stride.

“It’s like a dream for me, too,” he smiled. “It’s very, very special, like Longchamp.”

Harry Herbert, racing manager to Al Shaqab, made the valid point that Qemah had beaten a field of very talented fillies. There were no firm plans but the Falmouth at Newmarket may well be the next assignment.