Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp
Group 1, Chantilly 16:35 €350,000 added, 2yo plus, Class 1, 4f 213y
Sunday 2nd October 2016

1 Marsha 16/1
2 Washington DC 10/1
3 Mecca's Angel 6/4F
17 ran Distances: ¾l, shd, ¾l
TIME 57.27s (fast by 0.23s)

Sir Mark Prescott's Marsha wins the Qatar Prix De L'Abbaye Longchamp

Marsha

Jockey Luke Morris' first victory in the Group One sprint came aboard Gilt Edged Girl and his second victory also came courtesy of a progressive filly.

Trained by Sir Mark Prescott, Marsha chased home Just Glamorous in a Group Three over course and distance last time but comfortably reversed the form.

Just Glamorous helped set a strong pace against the rail but when he weakened out of things, it appeared as though favourite Mecca's Angel was going to land a popular success.

However, Marsha and Morris flew down the middle of the track to fly past her with Washington DC making up ground hand over fist to finish second in a thrilling finish.

Morris said: "The boss had freshened her up for this, we've always had high hopes for her and this is the icing on the cake."

Brian Pothecary was representing the 10,000-strong members of the Elite Racing Club and said: "I'm very lucky to represent Elite here today, as one of three coachloads of owners who were selected by ballot to attend.

"I doubt whether she will run again this year and I very much hope she stays in training as a four-year-old."

Michael Dods will take his time before committing Mecca's Angel to what would be the final start of her career in the British Champions Sprint on October 15.

He said: "She's run a good race. I'm not using the ground as an excuse. I don't think she likes to be crowded, and maybe that had something to do with it.

"We'll see how she comes home, we'll give her the full week to get home and relax and then we'll decide about Ascot.

"If she is in good form and has a good week the following week we'll seriously think about Champions Day. I'd love to see her over six furlongs at some stage."

Prix De L'Abbaye De Longchamp (Group 1)
€350,000 added, 2yo plus, 5f, Class 1
17 ran
Going: Good

Pos	Dr	D	Horse SP	Jockey Weight	Trainer	Age
1st	(12)		Marsha (IRE) 16/1	L Morris 9-7	Sir Mark Prescott	3
2nd	(15)	¾	Washington DC (IRE) 10/1	R L Moore 9-10	A P O'Brien	3
3rd	(7)	s.h	Mecca's Angel (IRE) 6/4f	P Mulrennan 9-7	Mjk Dods	5
4th	(17)		Finsbury Square (IRE) 50/1	C Soumillon 9-10	F Chappet	4
Also Ran: Duke Of Firenze , Son Cesio (FR) , Goldream , Cotai Glory , Maarek , Eskimo Point (IRE) , Take Cover , Harry Hurricane , Just Glamorous (IRE) , Profitable (IRE) , Line Of Reason (IRE) , Porthilly (FR) , Ardad (IRE)