Aventure had been knocking on the top-door for a while; on Sunday at ParisLongchamp she pushed it wide open. The Wertheimer & Frère mare produced a measured, classy performance to win the Qatar Prix Vermeille (G1), claiming her first Group 1 and cementing her position as a leading fancy for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) on October 5.

Ridden patiently by Maxime Guyon, the Sea The Stars filly settled off the pace before moving smoothly to challenge the leaders — including Irish hope Whirl and Marseille raider Ginalyah. Without being asked for maximum effort, she quickened and forged clear, winning with authority.

Gezora, returning from her Prix de Diane Longines success in June, ran on well to take second, while Bedtime Story produced a late surge to grab third from the prominently ridden Survie.

Official result — Qatar Prix Vermeille
1st AVENTURE (M. Guyon)
2nd GEZORA (M. Barzalona)
3rd BEDTIME STORY (W.M. Lordan)
Time: 2’29″34. Margins: 1½ — 1¼ — nose.

What they said

Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for Wertheimer & Frère (owners of Aventure):
“She had long deserved her Group 1. These are always very tough races to win. Today, the field was small but of quality. It’s a real relief that she has now taken her Group 1. It’s wonderful. She did it fairly easily. We know Aventure is not at all inconvenienced by softer ground, which could be important in four weeks’ time.”

Christophe Ferland, trainer of Aventure (Chantilly):
“I was tense before the race because I wanted everything to go well! I can now approach the Arc with more serenity. It will be an important event for me, for the filly, for the Wertheimer family. Winning a Group 1 with her was very important, and the goal has been achieved. I made some choices, such as skipping the Jean Romanet at Deauville to target the Vermeille. She was exceptionally well. We’ll see her in the Arc, that’s for sure!”

Maxime Guyon, jockey of Aventure:
“She really deserved to win a Group 1. She had been knocking on the door, always beaten by top-class horses. Her trainer chose to skip the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville to focus on the Vermeille, and it was the right call. Today, I won ‘à la mode’ (very easily)! She’s just fantastic!”