Philomene motors home to take second in G1 Prix de Diane

Philomene produced a storming late run to go down by three-quarters of a length to Joan Of Arc in the G1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 20 June.

This year’s G3 Prix Penelope winner, returning to an extended mile and a quarter after finishing a close sixth over a mile in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, broke on terms and was covered up in mid-division of the 17 runners by Mickael Barzalona.

Philomene was shuffled back a couple of places with half a mile to race and the daughter of Dubawi found herself behind a wall of horses in the straight until finding daylight entering the final quarter-mile.

The Andre Fabre-trained filly still had 10 rivals in front of her a furlong from home but unleashed an electric turn of foot in the closing stages, collaring Burgarita for second in the final stride.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “We are delighted with Philomene’s run and couldn’t be prouder of her effort. She has justified the belief that everyone has always had and Andre Fabre feels that stepping up to 12 furlongs will be ideal for her.”