Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant has failed to beat a runner home in her French debut, running last in the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet on Sunday night.
The seven-year-old superstar, now racing in lime green colours under new trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, started as the $3 favourite with TAB in small field at Deauville.
But in a shock turn of events, Verry Elleegant would settle at the back of the field in the 2000m trip and was never able to make up the ground, with Aristia holding on to win.
Watch the race below.
Aristia leads from start to finish to claim the G1 Prix Jean Romanet! Verry Elleegant finished at the rear of the field. pic.twitter.com/kIE0sVXlD1
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 21, 2022
ARISTIA 🐎 lands The G1 Darley Prix Jean Romanet under Sean Levey 🏇🏻for Richard Hannon at Deauville 🏆🇫🇷
— HBA Media (@_HBAMedia) August 21, 2022
🚨HBA MEDIA “ONES TO WATCH” WINNER 🚨@francegalop #deauville #prixjeanromanet #aristia @LeveySean @rhannonracing #thoroughbred #horseracing pic.twitter.com/sMEvDO8IHI
It was the first time Verry Elleegant had finished last in her storied 39-start career, which included 11 Group 1 victories in Australia.
Graffard said it would take a little bit for the mare to get back to her best in the new conditions.
"The result isn't a good one, but as a trainer I'm happy with her return effort," he said.
"As Lanfranco Dettori told me, she's a bit rusty. The track didn't suit her.
"We will have to give her a reprieve on 2400 metres on softer ground. I think she will be seen out in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (September 11)."
Graffard is targeting the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in early-October for his new star.