The tragic loss of Coolmore shuttler Wootton Bassett (GB) was highlighted over the weekend when he produced a pair of Group I Derby heroes with Providence saluting in Australia and Constitution River in France.
Aidan O’Brien sent three colts across to France on Sunday for the Group I Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) at Chantilly and came away with the trifecta. Wootton Bassett colts Constitution River and Hawk Mountain hit the line separated by three-quarters of a length with Sea the Stars colt Montreal a close third.
Constitution River was the race favourite with Ryan Moore to ride and showed his superiority late when drawing clear to take his overall record to four wins from five starts with his lone defeat a debut second at Newmarket last July.
“We're delighted with all three horses. A lot of people have put a lot of hard work into Constutution River. We knew he had a difficult draw and weren't sure what might happen, but Ryan [Moore] gave him a beautiful ride,” said Aidan O’Brien.
“He's a baby still. He was green enough today and Ryan said when he turned the bend to come down the hill he was green. He came off the bridle a little bit earlier than he usually would.
“I thought he did great because he didn't surrender and kept coming. He's a big powerful horse with loads of scope. We always thought he was very exciting and still think he is.”
Ryan Moore has ridden the colt in both of his wins this year and believes there is more to come.
“He's so straightforward, has great speed, a good temperament and gets the trip well. I'd say he's quite a special horse really. I think the other two horses from the yard are Group 1 horses, so he was going to have to work to beat them,” Moore said.
“I think he'll improve from today and, with more experience, will improve for this race again.”
Constitution River was bought from the Cadran draft at Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale by MV Magnier for €400,000.
He is the first foal of Chuppy, a placed sister to dual Group I winning mare Wonderful Tonight and half-sister to stakes-winner Penjade.
Constitution River is the 21st Group I winner for Wootton Bassett, who sired his 20th on Saturday when Providence won the Group I BRC Queensland Derby.
The last Australian bred foals by Wootton Bassett will be born later this year.
