'It was a dream run' - Blue Rose Cen rises to Boussac occasion with decisive win

Sunday: Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac, Longchamp

Christopher Head became the fourth generation of his family to train a winner on Arc day and continued French racing's most enduring dynastic tradition as Blue Rose Cen ran away from her opposition to record a hugely impressive success under Aurelien Lemaitre.

There was a yawning five lengths back to the Irish-trained pair Gan Teorainn and Never Ending Story and from the moment that Lemaitre slipped his partner up the inside of the field at the cutaway rail, the race was over as a meaningful contest.

Maintaining a remarkable exterior calm, Head hailed his new stable star, who carries the same blue and white Yeguada Centurion silks as Sibila Spain, who opened his Group-race account as a trainer in May.

Head said: "It’s incredible. This filly has been like this since the beginning of the year. She is always at her best and I think she could be a really nice three-year-old.

"This race has been the plan since the beginning of the year. She has reached the pinnacle of her career and so have I.

"I think Aurelien had the perfect trip, staying on the rail and waiting for the open stretch. It was a dream run."

The son of Freddy and the nephew of Criquette, Head only took out a licence in 2018 having assisted both during his early years in the sport.

Lemaitre was an apprentice with Freddy Head and the winning trainer and jockey have grown up in racing together.

Aurelien Lemaitre and Blue Rose Cen win at LongchampCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Aurelien and I began together with my father and now we work together. We've always been loyal to one another," said Head. "It's a wonderful story.

"I also have to thank the owner, Leopoldo Fernandez Pujals, for the trust he has shown in us and the incredible horses he has sent us. I hope we can continue working together forever.

"I don't know when I realised how far clear she was but it's a wonderful sign with a view to next year. She looks a Classic filly.

"We have plenty of options if we want to run again this year including of course the Breeders' Cup – for which she's now qualified – as well as the Criterium. But I need to talk to the owner because she is clearly a filly who will stay 2,000 metres [a mile and a quarter] next year."

Jim Bolger was pleased with Gan Teorainn, who was second to Basil Martini in the Weld Park Stakes just seven days earlier.

"We're happy with the run and one way or another she's a next-year filly," said Bolger. "She's really cut out for this game. I don't think running back so quickly bothered her because the last day they didn't go too fast and she only had a race for a furlong and a half."

Bolger added: "She'll come into her own over a mile and a half next year. She's a lovely staying filly."

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