Qemah swoops for France in Coronation Stakes

Qemah gallops home ahead in the Coronation Stakes. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Jean Claude Rouget secured back-to-back victories in the Group One Coronation Stakes following the decisive length and three-quarter victory of the Gregory Benoist-ridden Qemah.

The daughter of Danehill Dancer travelled nicely for Benoist in the mid-division before being unleashed on the outside inside the final furlong of the QIPCO British Champions Series contest.

The three-year-old, sent off at 6-1, displayed a potent turn of foot to quicken clear of her rivals and record a comfortable success, giving Rouget his second Royal Ascot winner and Benoist his maiden victory.

Her delighted trainer said: “Qemah is a top-class filly. She ran well in the French Guineas against some very good fillies. She showed real grit today and I am very happy.

“I was very confident after the French Guineas for this race because I prefer Qemah to run with a turn. I have no targets at the moment for her. We will look at the programme with the team, it’s too early to say where she will go next.”

Ervedya was successful for Rouget in the Coronation Stakes last year and was pleased to record another victory in the contest. He commented: “For me to the double in this race is like a childhood dream. I hope to get some more wins here because for me it is the best racing in the world.”

Harry Herbert, racing advisor to Al Shaqab Racing, owners of the winner, remarked: “Gregory got her settled today and that was important. She travelled with so much fuel in the tank today and she quickened like a really smart filly. She has beaten a wonderful field of fillies, it is fantastic and it has been a wonderful week.

“Sheikh Joaan [Al Thani, owner] is fantastic and there is a great team spirit. There is a good feeling of teamwork. Gregory is a great team man. Jean Claude has been wonderful and we are very lucky to win these races. The competition’s so hard but this week is one to remember and so far a year to remember.”

Benoist added: “The main thing with this filly is pace. We got that today and that is why she won. The last two furlongs were very exciting. I would like a really big drink now!”

Nemoralia, trained by Jeremy Noseda and ridden by Olivier Peslier, chased home the winner. The trainer would have preferred much faster conditions but said: “I can’t complain. The conditions were what they are; she’s run great, she’s finished second in a real good race. There will be days for fast ground and we’ll just look forward from here. We took a chance, and she’s rewarded us with a big run – I can’t ask more than that.”