Iresine, who came from the back of the pack, caused an upset by winning the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp, while Bay Bridge, the Champion Stakes winner, finished third.
Despite being the favourite, Bay Bridge was unable to add another Group One victory to his record in this competitive renewal of the race. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the five-year-old ran with great enthusiasm for most of the 10-furlong race, and jockey Ryan Moore positioned him well for his challenge in the straight.
Although he fell short in the end, his performance was encouraging for his connections. This was Bay Bridge’s first race since winning the Champions Day at Ascot in October, where he defeated Derby and King George hero Adayar.
“I thought he ran a very good race, a very courageous race and got a little bit tired. For his first run of the season I think it was a very good performance,” part-owner James Wigan told Sky Sports Racing.
“Ryan said he wished they’d gone a little bit faster early on, he was quite keen. He said he came there thinking he was going to win and conditions told a little bit.
“He’s a big, strong horse and I think the race will do him good.”
When asked where Bay Bridge could make his next appearance, he added: “I would think the Tattersalls Gold Cup in Ireland or else Ascot (Prince of Wales’s Stakes).”
Having won the Prix Foy at ParisLongchamp in September and followed it up by claiming the Group One Prix Royal-Oak over just shy of two miles, Iresine continued to show his class.
Although he was narrowly beaten by Simca Mille in the Prix d’Harcourt three weeks prior, he made up for it by triumphing in the Prix Ganay under the guidance of a well-judged ride from jockey Marie Velon, winning by a length and a quarter. Iresine is trained by Jean-Pierre Gauvin.
Velon said: “He’s a very special horse, he was amazing today and knew his job very well.
“He’s a very good horse who can do anything (trip-wise). I don’t know if he will go the Grand Prix de Chantilly or the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.”
Simca Mille beat Bay Bridge to the runner-up spot by a head, with Vadeni never threatening in fourth.
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