Poule d'Essai des Poulains

There was ecstasy and agony in the Poulains – the French 2000 Guineas- at Longchamp on Sunday. In a breathtaking blanket finish, Francois Rohaut trained Lucayan, by Turtle Bow,l pulled off a stunning upset, beating the long time pace maker Veneto in the last stride of the race. In a tragic incident Aidan O’Brien schooled Furner’s Green who finished third, had to be put to sleep after he broke its right fore and crashed down after crossing the line.

As the dozen contenders took off, Veneto went into the lead and dictated the steady pace, staying a clear two lengths in front as the heads turned for the final run. Stephane Pasqquier rode Lucayan in mid field, away from the rails and started to advance two furlongs out. Bridging the leeway at a rapid pace, Lucayan shot ahead close to the winning post.

The 4-5 favourite Dabirsim was short of room on the straight and had to be pulled out after being forced to check. When put pressure inside the final furlong by Christophe Soumillon, Dabirsim failed to accelerate and finished off the frame. Furner’s Green ran on strongly in the last furlong after encountering traffic snarls on the straight to finish a close third. The Stewards after an extensive deliberation allowed the result to stay.

"I believed in him today and he is improving all the time," said the winning trainer Francois Rohaut. “He is very brave, tough and genuine like his sire, who I also trained."