On Sunday 20th June, the Longines Prix de Diane was held at the Chantilly racecourse, won by the Irish filly Joan of Arc, ridden by the Basque jockey Ioritz Mendizabal.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, he also saw his colt win the 2021 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club at the beginning of June, again under the saddle of Ioritz Mendizabal.
The 47-year-old Ioritz Mendizabal is one of the most experienced jockeys in the field, having won the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club three times, in 2008, 2020 and 2021. However, this is the first time he has won the Prix de Diane Longines.
“It’s all the result of the morning’s work that is done beforehand. It’s magical for me to ride for Aidan O’Brien and to experience this. In the course, I prepared her well for the final acceleration. I didn’t push, I just accompanied her. At 400 metres from the post, I wasn’t sure I would win because Sibila Spain is a very good filly, but Joan of Arc managed to go for it” , said Ioritz Mendizabal, winner of the 2021 Longines Prix de Diane.
“Ioritz gave him a great ride. It’s incredible. We have tried to win this race many times but it is very difficult to win. Ioritz Mendizabal is a very intelligent person, a great horseman, and when you have the chance to work with him, it gives you a lot of confidence. He is a world-class jockey. 2,400 metres will not be a problem for Joan of Arc according to Ioritz Mendizabal. So the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe could be a possibility for her” , commented Joan of Arc’s trainer Aidan O’Brien after his filly’s victory.
This is not the first time that the Swiss watch brand has been involved in a sporting event. Involved in the world of sport since 1878, Longines is the official timekeeper at the Chantilly, Deauville and Paris-Longchamp racecourses. In addition, the company is the partner of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and co-organiser of equestrian events in Australia, Great Britain and Qatar, among many others.
The Prix de Diane Longines is a symbol of elegance, performance and precision, as reflected in the Prix de Diane Longines 2021 Official Watch.
The Official Watch of the Prix de Diane Longines 2021
The Official Watch of the Longines Prix de Diane is presented at each edition. Launched in 1992, the Grande Classique de Longines has contributed greatly to the company’s reputation.
With a very slim profile, it is intended for both men and women. Sometimes set with diamonds, the models in this collection come in five different sizes to fit perfectly on all the wrists of its purchasers and display a wide range of different styles.
The flagship collection of the winged hourglass brand, La Grande Classique de Longines bears witness to the rich watchmaking expertise with which the company embodies today’s elegance.
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Featured photo : © Scoopdyga
