Velon excited about return to Ascot

French rider Marie Velon can’t wait to return to Ascot on Saturday, when she is to ride strong each-way chance Iresine in a QIPCO Champions Stakes in which the betting is currently dominated by her compatriot Calandagan and the exciting William Haggas colt Economics.

Velon made history in France two years ago as the first female to ride a Group 1 winner when Iresine won the Prix Royal-Oak. The pair struck again last year in another historic Group 1, the Prix Ganay, and most recently they won the Group 2 Prix Foy on Longchamp’s ‘trials day’ for a second time.

In all Velon, who is now a fixture among France’s top ten riders and is on course to beat last year’s 99 winners, has won no fewer than 15 times on Iresine, who is now seven and will be a first British runner for his trainer Jean-Pierre Gauvin.

The 25-year-old, who was on the winning Ladies Team at the Shergar Cup on her only previous visit to a British racecourse, does not underestimate Iresine’s task, but she has ridden him in all but the first of his 23 starts, including for a solid run in the helter skelter of the Japan Cup, and she believes he is well equipped for it.

She said: “’Im very excited to be returning to Ascot. My first experience of it was amazing. I didn’t win but my team did! 

“To ride in the Champion Stakes on Iresine is a dream, as he is the best horse of my life. We grew up together, so to run in this big race is unbelievable, for both me and the team. Calandagan and Economics are the best horses of the season, but I will count on Iresine’s experience to beat them. “It’s a beautiful challenge and we will do our best. He is in great form, better than last time. He will be 100% for Saturday and the ground will be perfect for him. I can’t wait!”