U.S.-owned Woodshauna rallies to win Prix Jean Prat in France

In last place with a quarter-mile to go, U.S.-owned long shot Woodshauna responded to jockey Christophe Soumillon’s right-handed urging by splitting rivals on the way to a short-neck triumph Sunday in the Group 1, US$413,000 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville, France.

John Stewart’s Resolute Bloodstock bought the France-bred, 3-year-old Wooded colt for US$853,468 at last month’s Goffs London sale. Woodshauna had been owned by Al Shaqab Racing.

“Looks like a smart buy,” Stewart said on X after Woodshauna won the roughly seven-furlong, straight turf race for nine 3-year-olds.

“It’s magnificent for John Stewart, the new owner who is fantastic for my stable,” said winning trainer Francis Graffard, who was retained by Stewart as was Soumillon. “He respects his horses and sets himself goals. I hope this will make him want to stay in Europe.”

Woodshauna (12-1) raced from the rear while Maranoa Charlie (6-1) set the pace toward the middle of the course. Racing closer to the grandstand, Woodshauna rallied between The Lion In Winter (5-1) and Cacofonix (48-1) and took the lead eight strides from the finish.

Maranoa Charlie held on for second. The Lion In Winter was another short head back in third. Shadow Of Light (2-1) closed to finish fourth. Cacofonix, Daylight (24-1), post-time favorite Cosmic Year (7-5), Silius (20-1) and Apollo Fountain (45-1) completed the finish in that order.

Woodshauna’s winning time was 1:24.46 without a run-up for the 1,400 meters, nine yards short of seven furlongs on the soft turf.

Graffard said a date against older rivals going 6 1/2 furlongs may be in store for Woodshauna on Aug. 10, also at Deauville.

“The horse is entered in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1),” he said. “We’ll see how he comes out of this race, but we can try this challenge.”

Now 7: 4-1-2 with US$381,686 in earnings, Woodshauna was a first-time Group 1 starter Sunday. Last out he won the six-furlong Prix Texanita (G3) on soft turf May 16 at Chantilly. His first two victories came in 6 1/2-furlong races on synthetic tracks.

Woodshauna has raced exclusively in France, even though Graffard considered races like the Jersey Stakes (G3) last month at Royal Ascot.

“I decided to skip Ascot to prepare for this race,” he said. “Every time he moves up in class, he responds well and with style.”