Blue Rose Cen Enters History Books With Classic Double

Churchill’s outstanding daughter Blue Rose Cen (3f Churchill - Queen Blossom, by Jeremy) earned comparisons to such greats as Allez France and Zarkava when completing a Classic double in the Group 1 Prix de Diane at Longchamp.

Following the path of Divine Proportions, Blue Rose Cen came into Sunday’s feature following a stylish success in the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Group 3 win in the Prix de la Grotte and commanding victory in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac. Christopher Head’s star was sent off favourite under regular rider Aurelien Lemaitre and tracked the pace, before being sent to lead two furlongs from home. Soon in command, she drew clear inside the final furlong to win by four lengths as the Aidan O’Brien-trained Never Ending Story claimed runners-up honours, with Tasmania (Australia) finishing strongly for third.

“It's an incredible day,” exclaimed Christopher Head. “What she has done is remarkable. Blue Rose Cen is a flawless filly. She has the physique, the engine, the will and the passion to race.”

“Everyone remembers Divine Proportions, Zarkava and what they achieved in their careers,” the young trainer continued. “Every trainer and every owner dreams of having a horse like them – one who has that touch of the divine – and to do everything in their power to ensure everything works out right up until the end, because such careers pass all too quickly.”

Owned and bred by Yeguada Centurion, Blue Rose Cen hails from the second crop of Churchill. The dual Classic heroine is one of five Group winners by her sire in 2023 so far.