The Aga Khan Studs enjoyed a great day at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, as Vazirabad recorded an historic third victory in the Group 2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, and Siyouni’s daughter Laurens took her second Group 1 title with success in the Prix Saint-Alary.

Top-class stayer Vazirabad brought his score to a total of 15 wins with his latest success in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, a race which the dark grey son of Manduro already won in 2016 and 2017.Given an intelligent ride by Christophe Soumillon, Vazirabad made his winning move between horses, and kept on to the line, doing just enough to repel second-placed Marmelo.

The three-time French Group 1 winner is now likely to head for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June. His trainer Alain de Royer Dupré was more than satisfied with the performance, and told the Racing Post, “I’m pleased he has had quite an easy comeback run and I think there’s more to come ahead of the Gold Cup.”

Haras de Bonneval sire Siyouni took the honours in the Gr.1 Prix Saint-Alary thanks to his talented daughter Laurens. The filly was successful at the highest level as a juvenile when lifting the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket, and she recently finished second in the 1,000 Guineas. On her first attempt over ten furlongs, Laurens was obliged to make the running in the five-runner Saint-Alary. When her rivals came to her in the straight, the filly showed both acceleration and determination to stick to her task to the line.

Laurens will now be prepared by trainer Karl Burke for her long-term target, the Prix de Diane on 17th June. The filly will attempt to offer a second Classic victory to her sire Siyouni, already father of Ervedya who won the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches in 2015.