Racing: Valyra denies Beauty Parlour a classic double

FRENCH 1,000 Guineas heroine Beauty Parlour was denied a Classic double as the Johnny Murtagh-ridden Valyra ran out a shock winner of the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.

Jean-Claude Rouget’s Valyra started at 25-1 as seemingly the least fancied of three runners for the Aga Khan.

The previously unbeaten Beauty Parlour was sent off the 5-6 favourite and cruised to the front at the top of the home straight under Christophe Soumillon. But she could never shake off Valyra, who eventually claimed the Group 1 prize, immediately earning a 14-1 quote from Paddy Power for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Murtagh, who is retained for the Aga Khan’s horses in Ireland, said: “I was asked last Monday to come and ride her. I liked her straight away. During the race, she was very relaxed and I think that is her strength. She followed them through very easily and two and half out I knew we were going to get there, she picked up beautifully.”

Rouget said: “We decided to supplement her after she won her race at Bordeaux.

“I was really impressed, as everyone had been talking about Beauty Parlour as the next Zarkava. So the fact that she beat her, and also the way she beat her, was obviously extremely pleasing.

“I don’t think she is entered in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We shall see, but obviously everything is open to her.”

When asked if he would consider supplementing the filly for the Arc, the Aga Khan did not hesitate and simply said: “yes”.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Kissed was found to have suffered a broken bone and was retired after the race.