Front-running brilliance and a touch of class from Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) handed young Chantilly trainer Christopher Head a memorable second successive victory in the Qatar Prix de la Forêt (G1) on Sunday at ParisLongchamp.

Much like his stable star Ramatuelle, who won the same race in 2024, Maranoa Charlie dictated from the front and never looked in danger over the demanding 1,400 metres. With Aurélien Lemaître perfectly in sync, the colt controlled the tempo throughout and surged clear in the final furlong to secure a dominant win in 1’20’’80.

The Aga Khan Studs’ filly Zarigana (Siyouni), trained by Jean-Claude Rouget and ridden by Mickaël Barzalona, chased home well to claim second, while Ten Bob Tony (Night of Thunder), under Kieran Shoemark, filled third.

Head, whose star continues to rise in the French training ranks, praised his colt’s adaptability and temperament:

> “This is our second straight win in the race after Ramatuelle last year. Maranoa Charlie is an incredible horse — he handles any ground and distances up to a mile. He’s developed beautifully from two to three, and I’m delighted he’s finally got his Group 1.”

The son of Wootton Bassett — now a cornerstone of the Coolmore stallion roster — may be heading for a stallion career himself. Head hinted at future international plans:

> “He’s got the rhythm and class to win over a mile in the U.S. A Breeders’ Cup run could be an option, and that would only strengthen his future prospects at stud.”

With his blend of tactical speed and composure, Maranoa Charlie continues to look every inch the heir to his sire’s growing legacy — and another flagbearer for the next generation of the Head family’s long and storied success in French racing.

Official Result — Qatar Prix de la Forêt (G1)
1️⃣ Maranoa Charlie (Aurélien Lemaître)
2️⃣ Zarigana (Mickaël Barzalona)
3️⃣ Ten Bob Tony (Kieran Shoemark)
⏱ Time: 1’20’’80 — Margins: 1¼ – 1½ – head