France continued to repel overseas contenders for the Classics as Patrice Cottier’s Sparkling Plenty took Sunday’s Prix de Diane at Chantilly.
The Poule d'Essai des Poulains, des Pouliches and the Prix du Jockey Club had all been won by the home team but another strong contingent from the UK travelled over, including David Menuisier's Tamfana and the Godolphin-owned Dance Sequence.
It was a slow early pace set by Halfday and the Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained filly remained in control until two furlongs to run, when Tamfana took up the running. Jockey Oisin Murphy kicked for home but was unable to repel the powerful challenge of Sparkling Plenty, with Tony Piccone aboard, who came from last-to-first to secure Classic success. Survie pressed the winner all the way to the line for second, with Tamfana forced to settle for third.
In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, Tony Piccone said: ""It's fantastic and I was thinking I have a good chance but the race went like a dream. To win this race is fantastic for me."
Sparkling Plenty is due to be sold in Goffs London Sale on Monday, held in the grounds of Kensington Palace. The victory added a timely boost to the filly's page, who features in the catalogue as Lot 11, alongside Royal Ascot prospects.
It was despair for David Menuisier, who had been confident about Tamfana's ability prior to the race. Born in France, Menuisier is now based in Sussex and expressed mixed feelings in the aftermath of the race.
"I have joy and sadness running through me, but I'm very proud," he said.
"They are hard to get (these good horses) and she ran her heart out. She had every chance and she has done the hard work at the front there. I'm proud because she did what she could, but obviously disappointed as well because she looked like the winner.
"I think she showed more kick over a mile than she did here and I may have got this one wrong (stepping up in trip) but we can correct that later on."
