One Master Repeats in Prix de la Foret for Haggas
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Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
One Master wins the Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp
One Master has been campaigned worldwide, but ParisLongchamp remained the dream destination after she recorded back-to-back successes in the Oct. 6 Qatar Prix de la Foret (G1) for trainer William Haggas.
In doing so, the 5-year-old became only the sixth horse to win the race twice and the first since since Moorestyle, who achieved the feat in 1981 under the trainer's father-in-law, Lester Piggott.
She was under threat from market rival City Light in the closing stages but stayed on gamely under Arc-winning jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot, with Speak In Colours back in third.
"She's been a fantastic filly who runs well every time," Haggas said. "She's lightly raced because there are very few races she can run in. She may stay in training. (Roy and Gretchen Jackson) keep telling me they're too old to breed horses so would like the fun."
One Master finished fifth behind Expert Eye in last season's Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at Churchill Downs, but Haggas has ruled out a repeat international bid, instead looking closer to home for her next target.
"She has a particular trip," Haggas said. "This is the only group 1 over seven furlongs, and she's managed to win it twice. She needs softer ground, so she will go to Ascot for the British Champions Sprint (G1) at Ascot in two weeks' time, and that will be it for the season."
Runner-up City Light looks set to head into retirement at Haras d'Etreham without a group 1 win, and the disappointment was palpable for trainer Stephane Wattel, who came close to landing a maiden top-level success at Royal Ascot with this horse last year and once again had victory snatched away.
"He ran up to his best, and maybe the draw was a bit of a trap because he had to be ridden a little closer to the pace, but he was beaten by the better horse on the day," Wattel said. "Unfortunately, it was his last chance, and probably mine as well."
After the race, One Master was cut into a general 8-1 (from 33s) for the Oct. 19 QIPCO British Champions Sprint, in a market headed by the Martyn Meade-trained Advertise at 3-1.