OTI’s General Manager, Shayne Driscoll, counts down his Top 10 Memorable Moments across the 2023/24 Racing Season.
Number 5 – Sevenna’s Knight’s successive Group victories
As the 2023/24 season commenced, little was known about Sevenna’s Knight here in Australia. By the end of the season, he had stamped himself as a Melbourne Cup contender for the future.
By winning at Listed level as a 3yo in August at Deauville, we knew Sevenna’s Knight had above average ability. Finishing 3rd or 4th in each of his next four starts, the confidence in his ability remained high, despite the results not falling his way. A trip then to Meydan for the Dubai Gold Cup appears to have been the making of him. Finishing a close up 6th behind Aidan O’Brien’s Tower of London, he had competed well against the world’s best.
Returning to France for Andre Fabre, he would line up next in the Group 3 Prix de Barbeville and, on rain affected ground, would dominate. Winning by an extending 8 lengths, the racing media took notice.
Win in Group 3 Prix du Barbeville.
Returning to Longchamp four weeks later for the Group 2 Vicomtesse Vigier on firmer ground, he would repeat the dose. With a margin of just on 2 lengths on this occasion, he again left Group 1 winner Double Major, Shembala and Sober in his wake.
Win in Group 2 Vicomtesse Vigier.
With a potential Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe start in mind, Fabre would try Sevenna’s Knight at Group 1 level over 2400m. Found wanting at that level over the shorter journey, and on firm ground, Sevenna’s Knight’s future becomes clearer. A European 5yo campaign in 2025 that may see him aimed at Royal Ascot, prior to the Melbourne Cup later that year.
Hopefully those dreams play out. For now, we reflect on Sevenna’s Knight’s successive Group victories at Longchamp in April and May.
rRead highlight Number 6 – Cepheus’ Sizzling Spring, here.
Read highlight Number 7 – 100 Up!, here.
Read highlight Number 8 – Glorious Group double at Rosehill, here.
Read highlight Number 9 – Amade’s Adelaide Cup Adventure, here.
Read highlight Number 10 – Femminile Flies Late, here.
Stay tuned for highlight Number 5 tomorrow.