Cualificar displays battling qualities with G1 Prix du Jockey Club second

Cualificar put up a courageous display to go down by half a length to Camille Pissarro in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 1 June. 

Hoping to emulate the success of his sire Lope de Vega and grandsire Shamardal, Cualificar broke on terms in the 18-runner Classic and was sent forward by William Buick to race in a clear third behind Bowmark and Trinity College. 

The leading duo established a four-length lead over the field before the pack started to close three furlongs out, with Cualificar staying on alongside Detain and Camille Pissarro to challenge with a furlong and a half remaining. 

Cualificar rallied strongly and the Andre Fabre-trained colt briefly looked to hold every chance just inside the final furlong until Camille Pissarro snuck up the inner rail to hit the front soon after. 

Camille Pissarro went clear in the closing strides although Cualificar continued to battle, seeing off Detain and Trinity College for second and reducing the winner’s advantage near the line. 

William Buick said: “Cualificar put up a very solid effort. I thought we ended up in a nice position and he did everything that I asked of him. The winner is a good horse, but I think that Cualificar will possibly get a bit further. He may get an Arc prep now and he doesn’t lack for quality. It was a very good run.”