Amusingly produced a commanding display to overcome a strong colts field and claim the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp, vindicating trainer Francis-Henri Graffard's bold decision to step the Juddmonte-owned filly up in class.
The daughter of No Nay Never proved too strong in the closing stages, pulling clear of odds-on favourite Folsom Blues to secure a decisive victory. According to Kentucky Derby records, Amusingly won by 1¼ lengths in a time of 1:19.40 and was the only filly competing in the 10-runner field.
Graffard had opted to switch his charge from the Prix Marcel Boussac, where she would have faced her own sex, instead taking on the colts over seven furlongs. The gamble paid off spectacularly as jockey Colin Keane settled the filly towards the rear in the early stages before tracking the market leader through the race.
When it mattered most, Amusingly found another gear that Folsom Blues, the National Stakes winner trained by Joseph O'Brien, simply could not match. The winning performance was particularly impressive given the strength of the opposition and the unconventional route to victory.
Graffard reflected on the decision after the race:
She beat the filly that finished second in the Marcel Boussac (Data) very easily, so I was hoping I didn't make a mistake.
The trainer went on to outline his thinking for future campaigns:
She shows a lot of speed this filly, so I said to Barry Mahon (Juddmonte racing manager) she's more of a Commonwealth Cup filly than a Guineas filly for next year.
Regarding potential international targets, Graffard remained non-committal:
I've no idea if she'll go to the Breeders' Cup, I need to speak to the team.
He concluded:
Today is a big win so I just want to enjoy that and winter well and we have a lovely filly for next year, but what she has done today is wonderful.
The victory carries significant implications for Amusingly's future. According to Sporting Life, Amusingly became only the third filly to win the Lagardere in its history, following Happily in 2017 and Danishkada in 1986. The win also qualifies her as a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, though her participation in that race remains to be confirmed.
Keane offered his perspective on the tactical approach and the decision to bypass the Boussac:
I think the decision to run in this race rather than the Boussac was a bit of a combination of everyone, it just looked like the last day over a mile she failed to see out the final half-furlong.
The jockey highlighted the filly's natural attributes:
She's a filly with a lot of class and lot of pace, she did a lot on the bridle before being run out of it close home (last time) so that was in the decision to bring her back to seven, albeit we were taking on the colts.
Keane noted the improved performance at the shorter distance:
She relaxed a lot better today, she wasn't as fresh and gassy and did everything right in the first half of the race, when she did that part we thought she'd run a good race and she showed how well she can quicken.
On the question of whether Amusingly possesses the stamina for a mile, Keane remained optimistic:
Time will tell if she's a Guineas filly, she does have a lot of pace but I don't see why she won't get a mile.
Green Empress claims Prix Marcel Boussac in thrilling finish
Joseph O'Brien secured another Group One success when Green Empress narrowly prevailed in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp, holding off a determined challenge from Data in a photo finish.
The victory represented a breakthrough moment for the filly, who had previously endured an unusual pattern of defeats. According to Racing Post reports, Green Empress had finished second three times during her career, each time behind the brilliant Sun Goddess. The winning margin was a head, with Queen Of The Day completing the frame in third.
Ridden with confidence by Christophe Soumillon, Green Empress seized the initiative with half a furlong remaining and appeared to be cruising to victory. However, Christopher Head's Data mounted a sustained challenge close home, forcing the winner to dig deep in the closing strides.
O'Brien expressed his satisfaction with the performance:
It's really special for us to have a Group One winner on this day and she has been progressive - she's only ever been beaten by Sun Goddess all year.
The trainer outlined his assessment of the filly's pedigree and future prospects:
She has a super pedigree, being by Saxon Warrior out of a Sea The Stars mare. We see her as a miler that might go 10 furlongs at some stage.
O'Brien indicated that decisions regarding Green Empress's autumn campaign would follow:
We'll see how she comes out of today and discuss with the owners whether she'll go to America (Breeders' Cup) or whether we wait for next year.
The success capped a remarkable year for O'Brien, who reflected on the broader context of his achievements:
We're very lucky to have the support of some great people and a wide variety of owners.
He continued:
For us it's about performing and executing at big meetings. It's fantastic to have a big winner on Arc day.
Nicholls records historic Group One breakthrough with Miss Yechance
Jack Nicholls achieved a remarkable milestone by securing his first Group One victory aboard the supplemented Miss Yechance in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines at ParisLongchamp, upholding a distinguished family legacy in the process.
The 20-year-old jockey, grandson of David 'Dandy' Nicholls—who won this very race in 2002 with Continent and earned renown as a master trainer of sprinters—and son of Adrian, a former jockey turned trainer, seized his opportunity with both hands in what has proven to be a breakthrough season.
Riding in his first top-level contest, Nicholls found himself locked in a battle with Ryan Moore on Mission Central inside the final furlong but executed his challenge with precision aboard the Karl Burke-trained filly. Shiri flashed home to claim second place ahead of Mission Central.
Nicholls expressed the magnitude of his achievement:
I've never had a feeling like that, there's no words to describe it really.
The young rider downplayed his own contribution:
I can't take much credit, she does everything herself and I'm just the lucky lad that gets to sit on top of her. I just try to keep her as happy as I can and she does the rest for me.
Nicholls reflected on the unexpected nature of his opportunity:
I didn't think I would get a chance in a Group One and I'll be forever grateful to the owners and Karl for putting their trust in me and to let me ride her.
When discussing the family connection to the race, Nicholls acknowledged the weight of history:
The name Nicholls is only known for sprinters really. My grandad was probably one of the best sprint trainers that ever lived and my dad won two Group Ones, so it would probably be a bit weird if I wasn't riding in sprint races.
He explained the particular significance of the Abbaye:
Continent was very special horse to the family, we had him in the field in retirement. I would have taken any Group One, but if I could have picked one it probably would have been the Abbaye.
Nicholls paid tribute to his father:
My dad is the best dad in the world. I went to see him the other day and he said it would be the fastest 55 seconds of my life and the weirdest as well.
The victory provided a significant boost for the Burke yard, which had suffered a significant setback the previous day. Nicholls reflected on the broader context:
It's great for the yard as obviously they had a bad day yesterday with Fallen Angel. She might have been looking down and helped us in that last 50 yards. It's very special.
Looking ahead: Autumn targets for the winners
The three victories at ParisLongchamp have opened up significant opportunities for the winning connections. Amusingly earned 10 points on the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby through her Lagardere success, while Folsom Blues earned five points, according to Kentucky Derby records.
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf is scheduled for October 30, 2026, and Amusingly's participation in that race remains uncertain pending discussions between Graffard and the Juddmonte team. Green Empress may similarly be aimed at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on the same date, though O'Brien indicated a preference to allow the filly to recover before making final decisions about her autumn campaign.
