Sevenna’s Knight’s breakout 2024 season has ended, with our multiple Group winner headed for some well-deserved time off following his Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak 2nd-placing at Saint-Cloud on Sunday.
It has been a wonderful journey for connections in 2024. Commencing the new season with a Listed win as a 3yo to his name, our son of Camelot has progressed through his grades in most outstanding fashion.
A modest fourth placing on return at Chantilly in March was hardly an indication of what was to come. A gallant 6th placing at Group 2 level in Meydan later that month behind Aidan O’Brien’s Tower of London, however, was a sign that we had a serious horse on our hands.
Returning to France, Andre Fabre aimed him at the Group 3 Prix de Barbeville in April at Longchamp. Over 3000m and on wet ground, Sevenna’s Knight flourished. He recorded one of the bigger wins observed this season, by a widening 8 lengths, leaving quality performers and regular opponents Shembala, Double Major and Sober in his wake.
Fabre sent him on to the Group 2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier in May, over the 3100m journey. Again, he could not be stopped. Shembala reduced the margin to just 2l on this occasion, however Sevenna’s Knight had now stamped himself as one of France’s best stayers.
Stepping up to Group 1 level for the first time in June in the Grand Prix de Paris, Sevenna’s Knight put in his worst result for the season. He wasn’t suited by the shorter 2400m distance on firming ground and was found a class below some top-quality middle-distance types, in a race won by multiple Group 1 winner Dubai Honour (who had previously won the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in 2023).
Refreshed after a month or two without a race, Sevenna’s Knight returned to Longchamp in September for the Group 3 Prix Gladiateur. The 3100m and wet ground was well appreciated, recording another soft 2-length victory over the quality Dermot Weld-trainer Harbour Wind.
The G1 Prix de l’Arc d’Triomphe was his next target. Back in distance again to the 2400m, he would only run if the track was wet, and he was fortunate to gain suitable conditions. What was unfortunate, however, was how he stepped: a touch slowly and pushed to the tail of the field. With his winning chances blown, Sevenna’s Knight stuck to his guns well to push his way through the field into 5th position on the line. A tremendous result in one of the world’s best races.
Sunday’s G1 Prix Royal-Oak, over his preferred 3100m, was seen as his best chance to grab a Group 1 victory this season. As a result, he started the race at the top of the market. A noted enjoyer of wet tracks, this track was unlike anything he had seen before, rating well into the heavy range. He was brave, finding one better on the day; his rival from earlier in the year, Double Major.
Many thanks must go to his trainer, Andre Fabre and his jockey Mickael Barzalona, who has ridden him at all 8 starts this season. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Sevenna’s Knight in 2025 and beyond.