At ParisLongchamp, Aventure confirmed her place among the leading contenders for the upcoming Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a decisive victory in the Gr.1 Prix Vermeille. The Wertheimer & Frère homebred secured a richly deserved success at the highest level, having already captured four Group races and finished runner-up in three Group 1s, including last year’s edition of the Vermeille. Her trainer Christophe Ferland commented: “I think she wasn’t at her best in June and she’s better at this time of year. It’s good ground today, but if it’s heavy next month then she will go on that as well. She’s a perfect filly to train with such a nice attitude.”

The Wertheimers’ racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau added, “She had long deserved her Group 1, but these are always very tough races to win and, while the field was small, it was a quality one. It’s a real relief—it’s wonderful and she did it fairly easily. We know Aventure is not at all inconvenienced by softer ground, which could be important in four weeks’ time.”

Aventure became the third winner of the Prix Vermeille for Sea The Stars, following Teona and Star Catcher. Four further daughters of the sire have also finished on the podium in the race: Emily Upjohn, Sea Silk Road, Endless Time, and Raabiah.

Sea The Stars’ fine weekend also featured a new two-year-old Stakes winner in France, as Command The Stars landed his third career victory in the Listed Critérium de l’Ouest at Craon on Saturday. His trainer George Scott said after the race: “The horse was very responsive, very tough, so it’s fantastic. This colt has shown that he has a big heart. You know, he has the pedigree of a horse who should continue to progress. We’ll let the dust settle a bit before making any big plans, but we might consider giving him a chance in a Criterium.”

Sea The Stars’ weekend was further enhanced by a trio of notable Stakes performances, pointing to a promising autumn for the Gilltown Stud resident: Sosie, a dual Group 1 winner, finished strongly to take second in the Gr.2 Prix Foy, her Arc prep run. The Lion In Winter was a close third, beaten just half a length, in the Gr.1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on the same card. On Saturday, Gamestars ran a brave second in the Listed Grand Prix de Craon for her owner-breeders Wertheimer & Frère, long-time supporters of the stallion.

Sea The Stars’ impact was equally evident in the sales ring, where he supplied the top lot at the BBAG Yearling Sale. The first foal out of German 1,000 Guineas winner Novemba, consigned by Gestüt Brümmerhof, was secured by Godolphin for €750,000. Gregor Baum said after the sale: “We’re very pleased that she’s been bought by Godolphin and that they have trust in our stud and in German breeding. She’s a special individual. She’s very athletic and with a lot of character, we really love her […] There’s mixed feelings. We’re sad to lose her but happy that she’s gone to a good buyer and gets a good home. Everybody in our family is crying for many reasons!”