Racing News: Divine Proportions strengthened her reputation as an exceptional filly when she won the Prix de Diane Hermes in magnificent style at Chantilly yesterday.
Running for the first time over 10½ furlongs, she responded in magnificent fashion when required by Christophe Lemaire to land her fourth Group One race and second French Classic.
Lemaire guided her to an easy victory over Argentina and German contender Paita as her main rival Vadawina disappointed, fading into fourth. The Aga Khan's filly was later seen bandaged on one of her hind legs.
Divine Proportions was giving trainer Pascal Bary his first victory in the French Oaks.
Divine Proportions was given the perfect lead by her pacemaker Sapas, and though Vadawina briefly threatened when she slipped through on the rails entering the straight, the winner soon dismissed her and stretched clear.
Olivier Peslier came late on Argentina but was three lengths down at the line, with Paita a further half-length away in third.
Meanwhile, Afleet Alex put up a hugely impressive performance to claim the Belmont Stakes on Saturday night. Andromeda's Hero ran on to be a clear second while Nolan's Cat was six and three-quarter lengths further back in third. Kentucky Derby hero Giacomo finished seventh.
PRIX DE DIANE HERMES: 1, Divine Proportions (C P Lemaire) 8-15 Fav; 2, Argentina (O Peslier) 20-1; 3, Paita (N Yokoyama) 25-1. 10 ran. Tote Exacta: £16.20. CSF: £20.37; Win 1.80; Place: 1.30 3.70 5.80.
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