London: Trainer Francois Rohaut, jockey Gregory Benoist and owners Al Shaqab Racing teamed up to win the L’Ormarins Queens Plate for the second successive year as Al Jazi ran out the impressive winner of the Group Three contest at the Qatar Goodwood Festival this afternoon.
Amy Eria won the race last year for the same connections 12 months ago and Al Jazi was always travelling well for her jockey as the field turned for home.
Al Jazi ran on strongly when asked for her effort and she quickly put daylight between her nearest pursuers, eventually running out the one and three-quarter length winner.
Rohaut revealed after the race that this race had been in their minds for quite a while.
“This was quite a long term target,” said Rohaut.
“When we win a race, we try to win it again! We knew she was good enough to run well. This was the first time she’s encountered a very good pace and that is what she needs to win a good race.
“A strong pace and good going suits her. She has only run on good to soft at best in France.
“She had everything today. Good pace, good draw and good going. She always showed she was good enough to win a race like this.
“She’s is a different type of filly to Amy Eria. You must look after this filly. Amy Eria was a big, strong filly. This one is good though.”
Charlie Appleby was delighted with the run of second-placed Mise En Rose in the Group Three L’Ormarins Queen Plate Stakes, the sixth race on day four of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
The Peninsula
