Lucayan takes a thrilling victory in Poule d´Essai des Poulains
Lucayan took a thrilling victory in the Poule d´Essai des Poulains at Longchamp in France on Sunday, May 13, 2012. He faced a stiff challenge from his rivals, but still managed to finish on top of the table.
The three-year-old colt was not given the best odds for victory, but he was still expected to fight for the top three positions. He started the race steadily and remained in the midfield for some time.
Stamina was more important than speed in the race, as the overall distance to cover was 1 mile and the going was good to soft.
Stephane Pasquier, who was partnering Lucayan in the race, started pushing harder towards the end of the race and managed to get ahead of others by a short neck distance.
The victory was pleasing for F. Rohaut, trainer of the triumphant colt, who claimed that he was pretty much confident of winning yesterday. He said, “I always believed he was capable of winning this. He was well-balanced coming into the dip and when I saw
how easily he travelled when things quickened in the straight, I thought he would win. The others were unlucky on the inside, but that is racing. Two years ago we lost this race, today we won it.”
On the other hand, the race turned out to be a disappointing one for Dabirsim, who was rated as hot favourite to win yesterday. He has a terrific overall record, winning five races out of seven attempts, but was unable to live up to his reputation in the
end.
The three-year-old colt had to settle for sixth position in the race, which was his worst ever record in the sport. He had never dropped out of the top three before that.
Christophe Ferland, trainer of Dabirsim, was not happy with the outcome of the race and admitted that his runner struggled in the longer distance event.
According to Ferland, “He is unlucky, but he just doesn't stay. Yes there was a little incident, but if he stayed he would have won. He was with the winner when they quickened. Over the mile he just doesn't have the acceleration he has over seven furlongs.
We will have to rethink his programme and consider the July Cup.”
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