Roberts and Hannon celebrate 'a day to remember' as Aristia grabs first Group 1

Sunday: Darley Prix Jean Romanet, Deauville

Aristia got the better of Rosscarbery in a fierce battle up the Deauville straight to secure a first career Group 1 and provide the latest example of how virtuous patience can be.

After taking an age to come in her coat, the daughter of Starspangledbanner took a significant step forward when chasing home Prix de Diane heroine Nashwa in the Nassau at Goodwood.

For trainer Richard Hannon it was a case of a pretty quick consolation after Persian Force had missed out by half a length in the Morny earlier on the card.

Hannon said: "She's a very good filly. These days are very hard to achieve, coming to these Group 1s and winning is nearly impossible and I'm delighted for her.

"She’s now put two or three good runs together, she didn't come into her coat until very late on in the season and this is why she's coming good now.”

Another French Group 1 could be next on the agenda for Aristia with the Prix de l'Opera on October 2 mooted by Hannon, and also the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on October 15 a possibility.

Hannon said: "Where we go from here? There's a race on Champions Day, there's one on Arc day but we're delighted to have this today, it's amazing," said Hannon.

Sean Levey controlled the race from the front on a track which has become a graveyard for hold-up horses this summer and owner Elizabeth 'Bunny' Roberts was able to celebrate her own patience being rewarded.

"I couldn't be more thrilled," said Roberts. "It's a dream come true and I think she's on a journey. I think there's more to come from her, I really do.

"It's not a cheap thing to come here but it was something that I wanted to do and it's a day to remember in my life. I've always had a lot of faith in this lovely filly and she's delivered today."

Sean Levey and owner Elizabeth 'Bunny Roberts' pose with Aristia after winning the Group 1 Darley Prix Jean Romanet at DeauvilleCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Rosscarbery famously lost her third place finish in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh but more than made up for that here, much to the delight of Paddy Twomey.

"She's been beaten but I'm thrilled because it was the best run of her life," said Twomey. "She's incredible! That's her seventh run of the year and she didn't win her first race until April.

"She is entered in the Opera and the Royallieu and she has options over Irish Champions Weekend. I think a mile and a half is her ideal trip but she can do anything on any ground."

Sea La Rosa lands Pomone for Haggas and Marquand

Sea La Rosa followed up her win over 1m6f in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood with a hard-fought defeat of Love Child and Glenartney in the Group 2 Darley Prix de Pomone.

Picture perfect: the moment Tom Marquand and Sea La Rosa return to the Deauville winners' enclosure is captured for posterityCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

The Tsui family's daughter of Sea The Stars showed her versatility and tenacity, given she was dropping back to an extended mile and a half and also had to concede a 2lb penalty.

Rider Tom Marquand said: "She's a filly that likes taking a lead and when Ryan [Moore on Glenartney] popped from stall one, he gave us a nice tow round and I was pretty pleased not to be doing all the donkey work myself.

"Because she's so tough she can sometimes be guilty of trying too hard from the off. She's done that really well and we know she stays further."

The Group 1 Prix de Royallieu back at a mile and three-quarters could figure high on William Haggas' list of options for Sea La Rosa and Marquand added: "I'm sure he was looking at that before and without doubt Group 1 targets are on her horizon. Hopefully she will be up to the task."

Read more from Deauville . . .

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