Dettori goes West for more classic glory
Supplemented for €40,000 earlier in the week, the Alex Pantall-trained daughter of Machiavellian produced a superb turn of foot to outpoint her rivals and add to Dettori’s high-profile Derby wins on Authorized and Lawman.
Dettori, riding in the maroon and white silks of Sheikh Mohammed, pushed the button soon after the quarter-mile pole, with his mount quickly assuming command before coasting to a cosy triumph over long-time leader Mrs Lindsay.
“It is crazy!” said Dettori, after being greeted by an elated Pantall, who was celebrating his first Group One victory.
“I am delighted as it is the first time I have won the Diane, but also I have ridden Alex’s first Group One winner. It is an historic day.”
The occasion mastered an emotional Pantall, who burst into tears when West Wind crossed the line.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said.
“We’ve been waiting for this, but all week I was really confident with the only slight worry about whether she would get a clear passage and not get blocked. Frankie is a master.
“This sport is so unpredictable, but I never lost faith that one day I would win a Group One.”
Francois Rohaut was delighted with the runner-up.
The trainer said: “We weren’t really expecting this.
“She ran a magnificent race, Johnny (Murtagh) rode a superb one and I can only say I am delighted with her effort. She is a very courageous filly.”
The disappointment of the 10-furlong event was Jean-Claude Rouget’s much-fancied Coquerelle, who trailed home last of the 14 runners.
“She will go to the United States because there she can race and use the medication required for her condition,” said a visibly-disappointed Rouget.
“It is a shame we cannot use that here, but those are the rules.”
West Wind earned herself a quote of 20-1 from Coral for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe later in the season.
Dettori had earlier galvanised the John Gosden-trained Asperity to a thrilling win in the Prix Paul de Moussac over a mile.
The War Chant colt was headed inside the distance but fought back bravely to edge out Stoneside in the shadow of the post.
However, until West Wind’s Classic charge, the popular Italian’s exploits were in danger of being overshadowed as Kieren Fallon made a triumphant return to France aboard Spirito Del Vento.
Jean-Marie Beguigne’s four-year-old came with a telling late run to lift the Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord on Fallon’s first ride in the country following his six-month ban for testing positive for a metabolite of a banned substance.
Fallon said: “They went quick early on and it was pretty hard to keep up with them.
“However, he picked up really well in the last couple of furlongs. I still think he would be better on softer going.
“This is my first ride back in France and it is really exciting to win.”
