Mqse De Sevigne, the four-time Group 1 winner owned by Baron Edouard de Rothschild, etched her name further into Deauville racing history with a thrilling victory in the 2024 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet (Gr1). The five-year-old mare, trained by Andre Fabre, secured her fourth win of the year under a determined ride from Alexis Pouchin, but she had to fight for every inch of the success. 

Racing in the rear, the winner was forced to first see off Blue Rose Cen before the Joseph O'Brien-trained American Sonja rallied to claw back the deficit to just a head. O'Brien filled out the places when Maxux pipped Blue Rose Cen at the line for third. 

The victory marks the second consecutive year that Mqse De Sevigne has claimed the Prix Rothschild and the Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet, becoming the only mare to win both races. She has now won five Group 1 races in her career and is quickly becoming one of the most respected fillies and mares on the European racing scene.

The Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet was a hard-fought contest, with Mqse De Sevigne edging out American Sonja by just a head. The narrow margin of victory underlines the quality of the competition, but it also underscores the determination and tenacity of the winning mare. 

Although the close success may not have been the authoritative triumph expected of the 1-5 favourite, the biggest winning margin of her career is just a length and a half and trainer Andre Fabre was unruffled by the manner of her latest success. 

“She’s never won more than a head in the big races, so this is nothing new and we get used to it,” he said. “She’s a great mare, she’s beautiful, and she has all you can expect from a thoroughbred.”

The win is a significant milestone for Mqse De Sevigne, but it is also a testament to the dedication and skill of her connections. 

“It is a remarkable feat to win the Rothschild and Romanet two years in a row,” said Baron Edouard de Rothschild. “We never made it a mystery that the Arc is the target and that was her last run before October.”

Following her victory 12 months ago, Mqse De Sevigne dropped back to a mile in the Sun Chariot at Newmarket, finishing second to Inspiral, but this season she is set to step up to a mile and a half for the first time in a bid to provide her trainer with a record-extending ninth victory in the Arc. 

“The 2,400 metres should be fine for her as the family has plenty of stamina,” added Fabre, who became the most successful trainer of this Group 1 race with four victories. 

The mare may be joined by her well-fancied stablemate Sosie in the Longchamp Group 1 contest on October 6 but is unlikely to reoppose American Sonja or Maxux, who could instead contest other top-level targets after delighting O'Brien with their game efforts. 

“I'm very proud of both fillies and both of them achieved Group 1 placings for the first time,” he said. “They ran their hearts out and got very good rides from Dylan [Browne McMonagle] and Mickael [Barzalona]. The winner is a champion and I'm proud to get so close to her.

“Both of these fillies will race at Group 2 and Group 1 level in France and Ireland from now until the end of the season. They'll both also handle ground softer than today.”

The Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet was a resounding success for Mqse De Sevigne and her connections. She is now firmly established as one of the leading fillies and mares in Europe, and her victory at Deauville has cemented her position as a strong contender for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. 

Mqse De Sevigne's Road To The Arc

The Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet was Mqse De Sevigne’s final race before she heads to the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Andre Fabre is confident that the mare is ready for the challenge of the prestigious race, and he believes that she has the stamina to succeed over the longer distance. 

The Arc is the most important race in the European racing calendar, and it is a race that every trainer and owner dreams of winning. Fabre has already won the race eight times, and he will be looking to add a ninth to his impressive tally. 

Mqse De Sevigne is a talented mare, and she has the potential to win the Arc. However, she will face stiff competition from some of the best horses in the world. The Arc is a grueling race, and the winner will need to be at the peak of their fitness and form. 

A Championship Performance

The victory in the Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet was a significant achievement for Mqse De Sevigne, and it is a sign that she is in excellent form. Fabre is confident that the mare is ready for the challenge of the Arc, and he believes that she has the potential to win the prestigious race. 

The Arc is a challenging race, but Mqse De Sevigne has proven that she is a talented and determined mare. She is a worthy contender for the Arc, and she will be looking to add another prestigious title to her impressive resume. 

A Legacy in the Making

Mqse De Sevigne is the latest in a long line of talented horses owned by Baron Edouard de Rothschild. She is a deserving champion, and her achievements are a tribute to her breeding, her training, and her jockey. 

The Arc is the ultimate test for a thoroughbred, and Mqse De Sevigne is ready for the challenge. She is a talented and determined mare, and she has the potential to win the prestigious race. The Arc is a race that is steeped in history, and Mqse De Sevigne is ready to write her own chapter in the race’s storied past.