High drama as Simcock wins first Classic with Teppal after track switch

Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (Group 1) 3yo fillies | 1m

Drama preceded the running of the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and a close finish continued the theme with Teppal giving David Simcock his first Classic winner.

The second Classic of the day took place on Longchamp's Grande Piste (outer track) after protests from some jockeys and trainers about the state of the racing surface on the Moyenne Piste (middle track).

The original decision to return to the middle track for the first time since the 1980s was designed to give a longer run to the first turn and lessen the disadvantage of a wide draw. Given the hasty reversion, it was notable that Coeur De Beaute and Wind Chimes – drawn in the two outside stalls – were rapidly closing at the line.

But that shouldn't take anything away from a fine training performance, as Simcock backed his own judgement in coming straight for the Classic without a prep run, having put Teppal away last September following a four-length success in a Kempton novice race.

The trainer said: "I’m made up. It’s just nice to get a horse good enough to compete in a race like this and so to train a first Classic winner is fantastic.

"We were hopeful beforehand as she’s very streetwise and she was in good shape. We weren’t overly fussed when the course was changed and Olivier Peslier gave her a great ride."

Paddy Power introduced Teppal into the Coronation Stakes market at 8-1, and Simcock revealed that race will be the aim.

Smiles all round: David Simcock (right) welcomes back his first Classic winner, the Olivier Peslier-ridden TeppalCredit: Edward Whitaker

The daughter of Camacho – who like 2013 Pouliches heroine Flotilla is owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani – was nicely positioned throughout by Peslier, who made use of his inside draw in stall three as Teppal travelled smoothly into contention before finding plenty for pressure.

"We weren't worried about fitness as we ran two fillies in the Guineas last weekend who performed respectably, and Teppal had done a lot more than the horse that was eighth at Newmarket [Worship] and she might be a bit better," continued Simcock.

"There were a few things in the lap of the gods but we got a good draw. We were worried about how much rain was going to come last night and most of it stayed away."

Full Poule d'Essai des Pouliches result

Like Cristian Demuro earlier in the Poulains, Peslier was recording back-to-back wins in the race, although he had never so much as sat on Teppal before.

"Olivier gave here a super ride but she is very straightforward and has a great brain on her," added Simcock. "We're delighted and I'm delighted for new connections.

"They put their necks on the line and paid big money for her and it's nice they've been well rewarded. The Coronation is very obvious and gives her nice recovery time. We wouldn't want it too soft but we'll look forward to it."

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