Valyra

Johnny Murtagh rode Jean Claude Rouget trained Valyra to an upset victory, in the G1 Prix de Diane – the French Oaks, sponsored by the leading watchmakers Longines. The decision to supplement Valyra helped the owner-breeder, His Highness The Aga Khan to scale new heights with a record breaking seventh victory in the Diane. "It is always great to win the Diane, as it is I love this racecourse and everything involved around Chantilly," The Aga Khan said. "I must congratulate the whole team, as everyone is doing a remarkable job."

O’Bried trained Kissed set out on a strong pace from the start and held the forward position till the last 2 1/2 furlongs. Kissed ran out of steam and started to fade out while the even money favourite Beauty Parlour who was prominent behind the leaders, made smooth progress to lead with 2 furlongs left. Johnny Murtagh, who had Valyra towards the rear along the inside, switched path to move away from the rails on top of the straight and thrust forward to challenge the favourite inside the last 2 furlongs. Going into the lead in the final 150 yards Valyra spared three parts of a length to Beauty Parlour at the wire. Rjwa finished third three lengths adrift.

"The race worked brilliantly, I just travelled round into the straight after being a little bit outpaced. said the winning jockey Johnny Murtagh. "When she came on the bridle in the straight I was always going to win. I was confident from two and a half furlongs down I was always going to get there. When she got to the front she just pricked her ears a little. I think she's a filly on the improve and she could get even better”