Son Of Wootton Bassett Triumphs In Prix De L’Abbaye

A change of luck allowed Wooded (3c Wootton Bassett - Frida La Blonde, by Elusive City) to produce a career-best performance in Sunday’s Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye; continuing his sire’s rapid rise through the stallion ranks.

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard for Al Shaqab Racing, the bay won a Group 3 over six furlongs on his three-year-old return and went on to finish fourth to Pinatubo over seven furlongs in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat.

The Prix de l’Abbaye has a reputation of blistering speed over the minimum trip and Pierre-Charles Boudot asked Wooded to accelerate approaching the two furlong marker. Soon in front, the bay was driven out to hold off last year’s winner Glass Slippers by a neck.

Speaking after the race, the delighted winning trainer said, “I was roaring; I'm absolutely over the moon for him. I've always held him in the highest regard but the season has gone a bit wrong. We haven't found the races over the right trip.” On the future, he added, “He's going to be a lovely horse over six furlongs next year and I'm very excited.”

Wooded adds another string to Wootton Bassett’s bow; his Group 1 sprint success contrasting with Almanzor’s domination over ten furlongs; the same distance over which Audarya won the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet.

Bred by Gestut Zur Kuste, Wooded is a full-brother to Stakes performer Beat Le Bon.