Kew Gardens takes out Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp

Winner of the Queen’s Vase over a longer trip at Royal Ascot last month, Kew Gardens added another notable scalp by beating Neufbosc into second and the Mark Johnston-trained Derby runner-up Dee Ex Bee in third.

The trainer and jockey combination had already been successful earlier in the day in the July Cup at Newmarket with US Navy Flag and their dash to Paris was well worth the effort.

Kew Gardens travelled well throughout the one mile four furlong contest and once into the straight quickened to take the lead over a furlong out. Neufbosc had offered a persistent challenge and fought back well in the closing stages but Kew Gardens fended off that threat with ease to win by three-quarters of a length and justify favouritism.

The winner’s stablemate Nelson had made all the early the running but faded to finish fifth of the six runners, with the Dee Ex Bee third and the Joseph O’Brien-trained Downdraft bringing up the rear.

Speaking afterward, Aidan O’Brien said: “The idea with bringing him back to a mile and a half is that we could have a look at whether the King George [King George VI and Queen Elizabeth States at Ascot on 28 July] would be suitable. That’s probably where he’ll go next.
“Ryan was really pleased with him. He’s a lovely-moving horse, and Ryan rode him quietly with the intention of finishing with pace.”

Earlier on the card at Longchamp British raiders Marmelo and Algometer fought out the finish to the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil.

The Hughie Morrison-trained Marmelo plugged on gamely under Christophe Soumillon to repel the Moore-ridden Algometer by three-quarters of a length, although he edged left and interfered with Algometer, prompting a stewards’ inquiry. However the result stood and winner is now touted as co-favourite for the Melbourne Cup, along with two other British-trained horses Withhold and Magic Circle.

Edward Goodwin, owner-breeder of Marmelo, who had finished second in the same race 12 months earlier at Saint-Cloud, said: “In all probability the Melbourne Cup is on the cards and, unlike last year, we wouldn’t run in Australia before the big day.

“We could come back to France for the Prix Kergorlay but Hughie is seriously considering the Ebor.”

That completed a double for Soumillon who had earlier won the Listed Prix de Thiberville on Zarkamiya.

Described by her jockey as “one of the nicest-bred fillies in the world”, the pair came in first from the 10 runner field by a short neck’s distance in front of Enchanting Skies in second and Hermaphrodite in third.

The Longines Handicap de la Fete Nationale saw a more decisive outcome as Jockey Olivier Peslier rode Sejo to victory.

The Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained winner came in a length and three-quarters to the good ahead of Folle Passion in second and Cloud Dancer in third.