Long-shot Valyra claims the Prix de Diane in real style

RACING:FRENCH 1,000 Guineas heroine Beauty Parlour was denied a Classic double as the Johnny Murtagh-ridden Valyra ran out a shock winner of the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly.

Although unbeaten in two previous starts, Jean-Claude Rouget’s Valyra was allowed to start at 25-1 as seemingly the least fancied of three runners for the Aga Khan.

The previously unbeaten Beauty Parlour was sent off the 5-6 favourite and looked likely to collect for odds-on backers when cruising to the front at the top of the home straight under Christophe Soumillon.

But while she beat the rest of her opponents comfortably, she could never shake off Valyra, who eventually wore down the market leader to claim the Group One prize, thereby earning a 14-1 quote from Paddy Power for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Aidan O’Brien’s Kissed cut out the early running under the trainer’s son, Joseph, but dropped away tamely in the straight and was virtually pulled up, beating only one home. Kissed was found to have suffered an injury, and was retired after the race.

O’Brien’s wife Anne-Marie tweeted: “Kissed sustained a fracture of the sesamoid bones of her left fore. She is comfortable and will now be retired to stud.”

Stablemate Up fared a little better under Ryan Moore, but was still well beaten into seventh place having been at the rear of the field through the early stages.

Murtagh, who is retained for the Aga Khan’s horses in Ireland, said: “I was asked last Monday to come and ride her. I liked her straight away, but obviously didn’t know if she was a Group One filly.

“During the race, she was very relaxed and I think that is her strength. She followed them through very easily and two and half out I knew we were going to get there, she picked up beautifully. She really quickened.”

Rouget said: “I don’t think she is entered in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We shall see . . obviously everything is open to her.” When asked if he would consider supplementing the filly for the Arc, the Aga Khan replied: “yes”.