Coronation Stakes: Qemah takes fillies' crown for France

Third in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Deauville last time behind another of her stable's fillies La Cressonniere, Qemah was sent off at 6/1 behind market leader Jet Setting who had won the Irish 1000 Guineas last time out.

While the favourite made use of her draw near the rail to make the running, Gregory Benoist was forced to ride a waiting race on Qemah from her wider stall, his task made no easier by his mount taking a strong hold towards the rear of the field. However, once they'd turned for home, Qemah found a clear run through and quickened to lead inside the final furlong and win by a length and three quarters.

4/1 second favourite Nemoralia kept on for the runner-up spot which she held by just a short head from the strong-finishing Alice Springs (8/1), while Jet Setting faded to dead heat for sixth.

The winning trainer said: "Qemah is a top-class filly. She ran well in the French Guineas against some very good fillies. She showed real grit today and I am very happy.

"I was very confident after the French Guineas for this race because I prefer Qemah to run with a turn.

"She is a top-class filly and won the Prix de la Grotte very easily. She was very nervous in Deauville [French 1000 Guineas] and didn't run the race she had to. Today she was good in the race and won easily.

"I have no targets at the moment for her. We will look at the programme with the team, it's too early to say where she will go next."

Ervedya was successful for Rouget in the Coronation Stakes last year and was pleased to record another victory in the contest. He commented: "For me to the double in this race is like a childhood dream. I hope to get some more wins here because for me it is the best racing in the world."

Harry Herbert, racing advisor to Al Shaqab Racing, remarked: "Gregory got her settled today and that was important. She travelled with so much fuel in the tank today and she quickened like a really smart filly. She has beaten a wonderful field of fillies, it is fantastic and it has been a wonderful week.

"Sheikh Joaan [Al Thani, owner] is fantastic and there is a great team spirit. There is a good feeling of team work. Gregory is a great team man. Jean Claude has been wonderful and we are very lucky to win these races. The competition's so hard but this week is one to remember and so far a year to remember."

Herbert was unsure about the filly's future destination but suggested the Falmouth as a possible port of call. He commented: "She is in the Falmouth. Whether that comes too soon who knows but we will look at that. I think we will let the dust settle.

Qemah finished third in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas) last time out and the jockey revealed that the lack of pace that day was to blame for her defeat.

"She has run well - everything went her way today," said Benoist.

"When she ran last time in France, it wasn't a great pace and she couldn't quicken. Everyone was trying to quicken at the same time and, when that happens, it is very difficult to win.

"The main thing with this filly is pace. She needs a strong pace. We got that today and that is why she won. I think everything was perfect for her today - the pace, the ground, everything. I think the trip is the right trip for her. She wouldn't want to go any further. The main thing is that there is a good pace in the race.

"The filly prefers a bit of cover and for her to get this is very important. She relaxed well in the race and, at the beginning of the straight, I felt she had a lot of power left. She really produced a good turn of foot at the end. My hair stood on end!

"The last two furlongs were very exciting. I would like a really big drink now! To win here, the Group One Coronation Stakes, is fantastic. This is a good present and I would like to thank Jean-Claude (Rouget - trainer). It is my first winner and first Group One at Royal Ascot. It is amazing for me. It is like a dream. I can barely speak as there is so much emotion.

"Before the race, we wanted to get a good position but the pace was a little bit fast for me. In the French Guineas we were third and before the race she was a little bit excited, whereas today she was relaxed. Let's have some champagne now!"