Execute, trained by Chantilly-based Englishman John Hammond, made it third time lucky at Longchamp today when he won the Prix Ganay after finishing second in the race for the past two years. The seven-year-old's victory in the Group One contest brought an end to a winless streak lasting more than two years.
Produced by Thierry Gillet in the final furlong, Execute (23-1) swept aside the Godolphin-owned long-time leader Vespone to win by one and a half lengths. Vespone, partnered by Christophe Lemaire, held on for runner-up spot to continue the luckless run of Group One seconds for the Dubai team following Snow Ridge and Sundrop in the Newmarket Classics. Last year's winner Fair Mix was third, a further half a length behind.
Vallee Enchantee was blocked in the straight but flashed home to finish fourth, while the favourite Polish Summer never threatened. The John Dunlop-trained Chancellor faded after being prominent until entering the straight to finish last of the eight runners. Every owner should have a racehorse like him, said Jean de Roubaix, racing manager to Henri Chalhoub after Execute's triumph.
We nearly took him to Hong Kong instead for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, but he developed an abscess in his foot and we decided to opt out. Things happen for a reason I guess. The winner could be aimed at Royal Ascot as Chalhoub is keen to race him abroad.
Lemaire was delighted with the run of Vespone, on whom he collected the Prix Jean Prat and Grand Prix de Paris last season before the colt was bought by Godolphin.
"It was so great to be reunited with him and he is as talented as ever," he said. "We were beaten by the better horse today, but we will get our revenge, of that I am sure."
Earlier, the Group Three Prix Vanteaux went to the Christophe Soumillon-ridden Latice, who prevailed by a length over Asti.
Filed by Brendan Cole
