It's never been a secret how highly Roger has regarded her since long before her debut, but today the world got to see the real Teona as she took the scalp of multiple G1 winner Snowfall in the G1 Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp.
Teona - Photo credit: ScoopDyga
Settled just behind the leaders by first-time pilot Olivier Peslier, the Ali Saeed-owned filly raced economically enough to have plenty in reserve when asked to go for home in the famous Longchamp straight, always looking like she'd hold off the challenge of Snowfall once she'd kicked for home, Aidan O'Brien's star being the only filly to emerge with any kind of challenge. Having shown something like her true ability in a Listed race at Windsor last time this was another step towards Teona fulfilling her undoubted potential, with a return trip to Paris on the first weekend of October now very much a reality.
Teona is by the superstar Sea The Stars out of the high-class G1-winning mare Ambivalent, who was successful for Roger in the top-level Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh eight years ago.
Many congratulations to Teona's owner Ali Saeed, to her regular rider Ben Morris, and to her groom Erin Shannon.
Photo credit: ScoopDyga
Teona (pictured left) striding away in the maroon diamonds. Photo credit: ScoopDyga
Photo credit: ScoopDyga
BOOMSHALAA kept the winners coming, doing the business later on this afternoon proving it a good decision to run down in grade on his return after 66 days away from play. Striding out in the hands of Andrea Atzeni to score in the Racegoers Club Handicap at Chelmsford and completing the double on the day for the team. Crimson Sand made all the running, with Boomshalaa handily positioned in behind for the majority of the course and distance. Applying pressure up the home straight the pair battled it out but Boomshalaa was always doing enough to see off the runner-up in the closing stages.
Boomshalaa is now two from two on the All-Weather, congratulations to winning connections, a fantastic end to a truly spectacular day of racing!